Residents of the Phumlamqashi informal settlement in Lenasia South staged protests on Monday, 2 December 2024, in response to water supply disruptions.
Story Summary:
- Lenasia South residents blockaded the Golden Highway in protest over water disconnections in the area.
- JMPD urged motorists to use alternative routes as officers manage the situation.
- The City of Johannesburg faces increasing pressure to address water shortages and potential level 2 restrictions.
Lenasia South protests: Here are the latest updates
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) confirmed that the protest led to the blockade of the Golden Highway with burning tyres, rocks, and other debris, causing significant traffic delays.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla stated:
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“The Golden Highway is barricaded off between Wimbledon and Provincial Road, causing disruptions for vehicles coming from Whalers Farm, the Grasmere Toll Plaza, Orange Farm, Annandale, Flakfontein, and Zacharia Park.”
Fihla added that no incidents of violence had been reported by Monday morning.
JMPD officers have been deployed to manage the situation and redirect motorists to alternative routes, including K43 in Lenasia South, Phillips Avenue, 5th Avenue, and Broad Road in Finetown.
The protest stems from discontent over water disconnections in Phumlamqashi, an operation initiated weeks ago to address illegal water connections in the area.
Despite Joburg Water’s commitment last week to restore services to areas like Lenasia and Westbury, many residents remain without water, leading to mounting frustrations.
City of Johannesburg under pressure amid water challenges
Water shortages in Johannesburg have been a growing concern due to infrastructure challenges and rising demand.
High consumption levels—averaging 1.7 million megalitres daily, above the recommended rate—have placed immense strain on the system.
During a press briefing last week, Rand Water and Joburg Water officials warned of the possibility of escalating water restrictions to level 2. Logan Munsamy, senior manager for water demand management at Joburg Water, explained that the current level 1 restrictions may not be enough to stabilize the supply.
At level 1, the water supply is reduced by 15%, and restrictions include limits on garden watering, washing cars, and other non-essential uses during specific hours.
Level 2 restrictions, however, would increase supply reductions to 22% and introduce tariffs for excessive water usage, particularly for consumers using more than 20 kiloliters per month.
Persistent failures in the Commando system, a key component of Johannesburg’s water infrastructure, have exacerbated the crisis.
“We are looking at increasing that level of restriction possibly to level 2 or higher,” warned Joburg Water MD Ntshavheni Mukwevho, citing the need for improved water conservation.
