WATCH: ‘No Basic services, no vote’ – Blairgowrie residents speak out
The organiser of the protest, Jean-Michel Durocher-Yvon, said the community has had enough.
Residents of Blairgowrie took to the streets in a peaceful protest on March 12, demanding urgent action from Joburg Water as they endure their 10th day without access to water. The gathering occurred at the intersection of Conrad Drive and Hillcrest Avenue, the very site where a burst pipe had been spewing water just two weeks prior.
The protest saw a multitude of residents brandishing signs expressing their frustration and desperation due to the prolonged water shortage. Messages such as ‘No basic services, no vote’ and ‘JHB Mayor, can we use your toilet and shower?’ covered the placards, reflecting the frustrations of the community.
WATCH:
@caxtonjoburgnorth Residents of Blairgowrie are currently protesting on the corner of Conrad Drive and Hillcrest Avenue after a gruelling 10 days and counting with no water. Chanting the words ‘we want power and a shower’ the residents are demanding better service. Have you been affected by the extended water outage? Let us know in the comments. #wateroutage#randburgwater#watershedding#watercut#joburgwater#randwater#fyp#viralvideo #protest
Jean-Michel Durocher-Yvon, the organiser of the protest, said the community should not have to protest to receive basic services. “Ten days without running water and water is a basic human right; we do not need to be standing on the side of the street protesting for it. The times are changing now, and people are more informed and know where the issues are. Pointing fingers is not going to work anymore, and we know the mayor is responsible and accountable at the end of the day, and we’re taking a stand.”
He further expressed the community’s frustration, saying, “As a community, we have had enough. We had a community meeting and asked ourselves what we could do to make a change. We are paying a lot of money in taxes for services that we are not getting. People are exhausted; it is an election year, and the governing party needs to wake up and understand that the people want change.”
A community member, Niamh Feherty, said residents are fed up with excuses and empty promises from Johannesburg Water. “The water is coming; the reservoir is filling; it will be here tomorrow, and tomorrow is just not coming. They have been saying that the water is coming for the past seven days.”
Feherty highlighted the community’s resilience, stating, “The community has been outstanding in helping each other. They are offering borehole water; they are emptying their swimming pools so that they can fill their toilets.”
Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman voiced her support for the residents’ cause, stating, “The residents are beyond frustrated and they have lost trust in Joburg Water’s ability to supply water. They want Joburg Water to listen to them and take their complete lack of service delivery seriously.”
Harman emphasised the severity of the situation, highlighting the human rights violations and health risks posed by the prolonged absence of water. “Ten days without water is a human rights violation and a health risk. We have health facilities, old age homes, schools, restaurants, municipal buildings, businesses, and homes that rely on water to function.”
Efforts to reach Joburg Water for comment on the protest and the ongoing water crisis in Blairgowrie have been unsuccessful as of now.
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