RESIDENTS of Tsakane extension 19 have been struggling with water shortages for more than a month, and they're fed up.
They want water back in their taps, and they're not backing down until that happens.
On Tuesday, 19 September, several people were treated for injuries as police were dispersing residents with rubber bullets. Angry residents say no bullet is going to stop them.
"We have been patient enough and taking all the lies from the municipality, but now it's time we stand for ourselves," said a protester.
The protest which started on Monday, 18 September was preceded by a march on Friday, 15 September, where residents marched to the Customer Care Centre in Tsakane.
The residents were promised that water would be restored by Saturday, 16 September, but that didn't happen.
On Monday, the gatvol residents took to the streets and it seems they are not about to back down.
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"Schools, hospitals and households have been affected. We have loads of dirty laundry which we cannot do. Water is life and without it, what can we do?" said a resident.
On Tuesday, some parts of the areas that were affected in Tsakane were beginning to get water, but for others, there was not even a single drop.
Police had their hands full trying to contain the protest.
Lieutenant-Colonel Kelebogile Thepa of Ekurhuleni Metro cops said they are monitoring the situation.
Ekurhuleni municipal spokesman Zweli Dlamini said: "The city understands the frustrations of the residents after having gone for weeks without having water due to this Rand Water problem. However, there is now sufficient supply from the system and all we want to do now is ensure that water flows into the homes of the residents.
“We plead with the residents to allow the teams to do their work so that water is restored speedily, and we bring an end to the anguish they have suffered.”
