The streets of Verulam have become the epicentre of intense protests due to persistent water shortages.
Verulam protests enter Day 3: Here are the affected routes
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Residents, frustrated by ongoing water outages, have ignited protests that have led to significant road closures, particularly on the R102 route to Durban.
The situation has escalated into fiery demonstrations, with residents burning tires and debris, causing major disruptions and traffic chaos.
These protests, which have been ongoing since Monday, 22 January 2024, centre around the community’s claim of enduring 96 days without water.
The lack of consistent availability of water tankers has added to the frustration of the residents.
The road blockades, particularly near Tottenham Road on the R102, have transformed this busy route between Phoenix’s J. G Champion Drive and Verulam into a no-go zone for motorists.
One of the residents, expressing the gravity of the situation, said,
“It’s really a struggle, we have got roads that are uphill, there is no place for tankers to park, people have to walk sometimes 15 minutes to the entrance of the road to get water. If we do get tankers, they come around 11 or 12 in the evening. This is a high crime-ridden area and we cannot think about our safety or whether we want our safety first. We are failing to send our children to school because of hygiene issues.”
Ward councillor Nkosiyezwe Mhlongo visited the community and assured that efforts are being made to resolve the issue, citing ageing water infrastructure as the root cause.
However, the community remains adamant in its protest, demanding immediate and effective action.
The eThekwini Municipality has acknowledged the severity of the issue, issuing public notices and advising patients using the Ottawa and Verulam Clinics to exercise patience as these healthcare facilities have been severely impacted by the unrest.
Metro Police are actively engaged in resolving the situation, prioritising public safety.
Motorists are advised to avoid the R102 route and seek alternative paths until the situation is resolved.
