Gauteng residents are growing increasingly frustrated with ongoing water shortages, sparking protests in several areas.
In Johannesburg, residents of Coronationville, Westdene, and Westbury took to the streets, blocking roads and burning tyres in protest against the province’s water crisis.
roads include Perth Road, Portland Avenue, and Harmony Street, resulting in significant traffic delays.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has deployed officers to monitor the situation, reporting that while roads remain closed, the protests have been calm.
The JMPD has advised motorists to exercise caution and use alternative routes, including 4th Avenue, Thornton Road, Lewes Road in Westdene, and Price Street in Newclare and Industria West.
⚠️Traffic Advisory⚠️
— Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD (@JoburgMPD) October 16, 2024
Protests in Westdene & Westbury have blocked the intersection of Perth Rd, Portland Ave, & Harmony St. Residents are protesting water outages. #JMPD on-site; situation is calm.
Motorists: Avoid the area Use alternatives #JHBTraffic #JoburgRoadSafety pic.twitter.com/mOI1TXHQ2C
According to the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), residents in these communities have only had access to water between midnight and 4am for several weeks, leaving them without supply for most of the day.
In Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, residents have been protesting since Monday, blocking roads with garbage and setting fire to tyres. They have been without running water for six days and are demanding the immediate restoration of the supply.
The crisis has been exacerbated by Rand Water, which raised the alarm last week about excessive municipal withdrawals, warning of an unprecedented catastrophe.
The bulk water supplier stated that despite repeated warnings to local governments, the situation has now reached worrisome proportions. These excessive withdrawals have severely strained the system, contributing to widespread shortages and adding to the frustration of affected communities.
This widespread discontent highlights the growing tension between residents, local governments, and service providers as Gauteng grapples with its ongoing water crisis.
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