Scores of residents of Klipfontein View, Midrand, did not go to work or school following a service delivery protest over what residents said was a “prolonged” water outage.
The frustrated protesters on Monday closed Allandale Road, a major road that leads users to pivotal destinations between Midrand, Pretoria and Kempton Park. Most roads were barricaded with burning tyres, rocks, debris and other objects, making it hard for motorists or taxis to drive out.
Protesters said they have been subjected to dry taps for months at a time.
“We have closed Allandale Road that’s connecting Midrand and Kempton Park. The law enforcement agencies know about it. On Saturday evening, we had JMPD members who were here until 1am. The community wants running water in their taps. There is no one going to school or to work from Ext. 1. That’s what we agreed upon last night in our community meeting,” said one of the residents who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The locals vowed to continue with the protests until their demands are met.
“We cannot live without water, it is not right and it is unfair. Our councillor is failing us. The City of Ekurhuleni and City of Johannesburg must help us since we are in the middle,” said the resident.
JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said officers were deployed and managed to engage with the protesting community, who are now waiting for the local ward councillor to address them.
“The situation is currently calm, and the roadway has been reopened for traffic. Officers will continue to monitor the area for any further disturbances or disruptions,” Fihla said.
Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina during a media briefing on Monday said municipalities are constitutionally compelled to provide clean water to all citizens.
A number of municipalities including Ekurhuleni, City of Joburg and City of Tshwane in recent months have faced water challenges due to old infrastructure or planned maintenance by Rand Water.
Some communities complained that they experienced more water outages.
“We as the Water and Sanitation Department, we have our own responsibilities – what is expected of us, what can be done by this department and what is the responsibility of municipalities. We do intervene when norms and standards are not met. We don’t overtake and interfere with the roles of municipalities, because they have a constitutional provision to provide water to citizens which is enshrined in section 27 of the Constitution,” Majodina said.
Johannesburg Water’s Bonginkosi Xaba said the water utility apologizes to the residents.
“We are aware you don’t have water, the cause is because the bulk supplier was doing maintenance in the system. We can now say the system is picking up although it will take time. We have hope that the system will pick up until you are able to have water in your taps,” said Xaba.
He further said: “Johannesburg Water seeks to solve the problem permanently going forward. We are aware that currently your area is supplied by City of Ekurhuleni. Plans are on advance stage, there is work being done as you have seen pipes being placed, they will make it possible for you to access water directly from bulk suppliers so that whenever there is a problem in Ekurhuleni you don’t get affected. We have brought in water tankers for now”.
The Star