Residents of Phumlamqashi, located south of Lenasia in Johannesburg, took to the streets in protest for the latest time amid a persistent water crisis in the area. Demonstrators barricaded the Golden Highway—a key traffic artery—with debris, rocks, and burning tires, bringing traffic to a standstill and forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
The community reported being without water for seven days, though some accounts from residents during the protest described the shortage lasting up to two weeks. Protesters demanded that Johannesburg Water restore supplies immediately, emphasizing that access to water is a constitutional right. They highlighted severe hardships faced by households, including reliance on water tankers whose quality has been questioned, with reports of children falling ill from the provided water.
This is not the first such demonstration in the area. The ongoing issues trace back to previous disputes, including Johannesburg Water’s actions against illegal connections, which the utility has cited as contributing to interrupted or intermittent supply in the community.
Police closely monitored the situation and were able to disperse the crowd after engagements took place. An official from Johannesburg Water met with residents and promised to restore water supplies within seven days. However, many in the community expressed dissatisfaction with the timeline, insisting that water should be restored immediately or today.
Residents described the difficulties of living without reliable water, compounded by separate electricity challenges in the area. They voiced frustration that basic services remain unfulfilled despite political promises, particularly noting the approaching election season where politicians canvass door-to-door seeking votes but fail to deliver on commitments like water provision.
One community member leading the protest stated that water tankers needed to arrive in the community promptly to deliver usable water. They criticized inconsistencies in promises from officials and Johannesburg Water representatives, alleging changing timelines and unfulfilled commitments. Residents warned that if tankers did not arrive as expected—particularly if not delivered that afternoon—they would return to the Golden Highway and intensify their protests.
The protest was eventually cleared, with traffic resuming under police supervision, though authorities remained on scene to monitor developments. The community vowed to continue action if the promised restoration does not occur within the stated period, underscoring deep dissatisfaction with the handling of the water supply crisis.
