Lenasia South Residents Block Golden Highway in Protest Over Water Shortages

Hundreds of residents from the Phumla Mqashi informal settlement near Lenasia South took to the streets on Monday, blocking the Golden Highway and nearby roads in a protest over water shortages.

The demonstrators accused Joburg Water of failing to provide adequate water through municipal tanks, claiming that supply has been inconsistent in recent weeks. They also raised concerns about the cleanliness of the water tanks.

This is not the first time residents have voiced their frustrations. In November, Joburg Water disconnected illegal water connections in the settlement, prompting previous marches to the civic centre and the utility’s offices in Ennerdale.

Also Read: EFF Gauteng Demands Action: March to Joburg Water Offices Over Ongoing Water Crisis

Phumla Mqashi, home to approximately 17,000 people, relies on water tanks filled by municipal-contracted trucks. However, residents argue that the supply is insufficient to meet their daily needs.

Community leader Khanyisile Tshabalala expressed frustration over the lack of response from government officials. “Our water issue is getting worse. We have Jojo tanks, but sometimes two days pass without a water truck arriving,” she said.

She added that residents are forced to walk to nearby communities to collect water, calling for the installation of communal taps. “Before we [illegally] connected water to our homes, we had communal taps, but when Joburg Water disconnected our supply in November, they also removed those taps,” she explained.

During Monday’s demonstration, some residents remained on the highway blocking traffic, while others walked to the civic centre to present their demands to officials.

Mahlatsi Maluka Samuel, one of the protesters who stayed on the highway, said residents are tired of empty promises. “We are tired of going to the civic centre. If they want to help, they must come to the Golden Highway,” he said.

By the afternoon, the protest was ongoing with a strong police presence. Demonstrators are demanding that officials from the presidency and the ministry of water accept their memorandum and take immediate action.

Attempts to reach Joburg Water for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

EFF Marches in Rain to Protest Joburg Water Cuts, Demands End to Watershedding