Disgruntled Phumlamqashi residents vow to reconnect water supply after being cut off
Dozens of residents turned violent when Joburg Water officials arrived on Tuesday morning to carry out a cut-off operation.
Residents in Lenasia, Johannesburg were left angered after their illegal water connections in their area were disconnected on 12 November 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - Disgruntled and now waterless, Phumlamqashi residents have vowed to reconnect their illegal water supply overnight.
Dozens of residents turned violent when Joburg Water officials arrived on Tuesday morning to carry out a cut-off operation.
Residents threw rocks at the workers, damaging several of the entity’s vehicles, before JMPD officers began firing rubber bullets to disperse the angry crowd.
Following Tuesday’s demonstrations, a case of public violence has since been opened at the Lenasia South Police Station but no arrests have been made so far.
The aggrieved residents dispersed after a lengthy standoff with police, but they have vowed to march to the local councillor’s home and then attempt to reconnect their illegal water supply.
They claimed that their grievances had fallen on deaf ears and taking matters into their own hands was the only solution left.
Resident Benji Kalanko: "We are very sorry for you to see this, because Johannesburg Water did not inform anyone about the planned cut-off. They do as they please."
Joburg Water is yet to respond to our requests for comment on the situation or any possible contingency plans.