Residents of Phumla Mqashi in Lenasia South say they feel neglected and are calling on the municipality to restore reliable water access and implement a long-term solution to their ongoing crisis. This follows six consecutive days without water in their JoJo tanks.
Frustrated community members took to the streets, blocking both Wimbledon Road and the busy Golden Highway in protest.
Residents say their water problems date back to 2024, when Joburg Water disconnected their tap water supply, citing illegal connections.
Around 17,000 residents rely on approximately 60 JoJo tanks for their daily water needs. However, these have now run dry.
“The protest started on Wednesday because since last Thursday, water tankers have not been delivering water,” said Sindy Masinge. “Apparently, the service providers have not been paid.”
Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, raised concerns about hygiene and health risks.
“Since these JoJo tanks were installed, they have never been cleaned. How safe is that for us?” she asked.
Loys Mashile echoed similar concerns, warning that the lack of proper security and maintenance of the tanks puts residents at risk.
“Our health is at risk because anyone can contaminate the water in these tanks. That’s why we want water restored to our taps,” she said.
Mashile added that the situation has also affected basic hygiene practices.
“Our children can’t even wash their hands after using the toilet because there is no water,” she said.
Residents say they have been relying on neighbouring suburbs for water, but that option is no longer available.
“There is a man who owns a car wash where we used to fetch water, but now we are being turned away,” Mashile explained.
The worsening situation ultimately led to the protest.
Later in the day, water tankers were seen arriving after residents temporarily halted their protest, allowing some households to access water from the JoJo tanks after days of desperation.
Joburg Water had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.
