WATCH: Water protests close N2 national highway

Rush-hour traffic on the N2 and R66 was brought to a halt early this morning (Wednesday) amid protest action, reportedly over water provision.

The N2 was affected from just after 5am in the vicinity of the Fairbreeze mine, with the closure of the Mtunzini Toll Plaza.

Mandeni’s Ward 1 residents blocked the roads over a lack of water provision by iLembe District Municipality.

Ward Cllr Mlungisi Shelembe said this is an ongoing crisis, with no water tankers sent as an alternative for the community.

“Since November, residents have been compelled to fetch water from rivers and streams owing to the broken communal borehole.

“I have, on three occasions, written to the the municipality, requesting the district mayor come to address the community – with no success,” said Shelembe.

SAPS Public Order Policing (POP) unit dispersed the protesters mid-morning but remained on scene to monitor the situation.

The N2 was reopened mid-morning while at lunchtime the R66 remained closed.

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