Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse residents of Coronationville, Johannesburg, who were protesting on Wednesday over severe water shortages that they claim have plagued the community for nearly eight years.
The protest saw roads barricaded with burning tyres, rocks, and garbage, leading to significant traffic disruptions and a heavy police presence.
The demonstration in the Johannesburg suburb turned volatile as frustrated residents demanded access to water, a basic right they say has been denied for too long. Several people were struck by rubber bullets during the clashes.
Residents insisted their action was peaceful, with one telling eNCA, “We cannot live without water. All we are asking for is water.”
The protest caused the closure of several major roads, including Fuel Road, Main Road, and Perth Road, affecting the surrounding areas of Westbury, Martindale, and Sophiatown.
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Official response and system failures
In response to the unrest, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero issued an apology for the city’s water crisis. He stated that the metro is actively working to ensure the water supply is recovered more quickly. The water shortages stem from issues at Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pump Station, which experienced power challenges over the weekend, reducing its pumping capacity.
While Johannesburg Water announced on Monday that pumping had resumed at full capacity, the system remains constrained. The utility noted that several systems, including the Commando System which supplies Coronationville, are still affected. Residents reported that even after a brief restoration, their taps soon ran dry again.
Community members have vowed to continue their protest until a permanent solution is found, with some threatening to take their case to the South African Human Rights Commission.
Image: Protestors holding a sign reading “We want water” during a demonstration in Coronationville, Johannesburg. The area has faced prolonged water cuts, prompting unrest. [Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers]
