Tensions are high in Ebony Park, Tembisa, where residents have taken to the streets in a protest over a severe lack of water and what they call “unacceptable” water bills demanding payment of over R60,000.
The community has been without a reliable water supply for weeks, with some residents stating the crisis began in January. The situation escalated when numerous residents received SMS notices this afternoon from the City of Johannesburg, ordering them to settle outstanding water bills exceeding R60,000 within a mere three days.
Protesters have blocked roads with large stones and burned tires, a demonstration they say started yesterday. They are demanding action from the city, specifically a meeting with the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure.
A potential meeting was complicated today when residents were informed that the MMC was nearby but unable to reach them due to the blocked roads. Community leaders and a local councillor advised the protesters to move to the MMC’s location, but this was met with firm refusal.
Frustrated residents insist the official must come to them. They argue it is unreasonable to be billed such exorbitant amounts for a service they have not received for an extended period. Community members also highlighted the broader impact of the water shortage, stating that their children are suffering at schools without access to water.
The protest continues as residents vow to remain on the streets until the MMC arrives to address their grievances directly and provide a solution to the ongoing water and electricity issues they have been raising with the city since the start of the year.
