SEBOKENG. – Frustration reached a boiling point in Sebokeng Zone 6 as residents, fed up with enduring nine months without water, took to the streets in protest on Monday, May 27.
Dozens of angry residents barricaded roads with burning tires, debris, and rocks to get the municipality’s attention and resolve their headaches.
Singing and chanting with placards on their kasis’ arterial roads, fuming residents caused disruptions, residents had one demand, immediate action, and answers from Emfuleni Local Municipality regarding their prolonged water crisis.
Public Order Police were swiftly deployed to the scene, where they managed to disperse the gathered crowds and later reopened the roads.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Andries Lekgode, a community leader in the area said “It’s been nine months without water for residents of extension thee. As the community, we’ve engaged all relevant departments in the municipality without success. We were promised that water would be running on our taps on Friday, but till this day, our taps are dry.”
Lekgode added that water tanks are inconsistent in delivering in their area.
“We are sick and tired of the games. The protest was our last resort, all we want is for the municipality to engage us,” he added.
In response, ELM spokesman Makhosonke Sangweni said the municipality is aware of water supply challenges in the area.
“Metsi-a-Lekoa received several reports of no supply and low pressure in the Evaton East Areas. On Monday, May 27 our management held two meetings with the affected communities, the municipality dispatched a team to investigate the cause of water shortages in the affected area,” he said.
“After a necessary water supply network audit in Zone 6, technicians suspected a leakage on a bulk pipeline supplying the area. Work to locate the leak and effect repairs commenced after the meetings and continues,” he said.
