After protest, Joburg Water cuts illegal water connections in Phumlamqashi

JOHANNESBURG - Joburg Water has disconnected illegal water connections in Phumlamqashi, an area in Lenasia that has no formal water infrastructure.

Earlier on Tuesday, disgruntled residents clashed with police and Joburg Water workers on site, demanding that their water supply be restored.

The standoff lasted for a few hours, with police firing rubber bullets after residents threw rocks at them.

READ: JMPD opens case of public violence against Phumlanqashi residents in wake of protest

Over the past three years, residents of Phumlamqashi have experienced multiple water cuts.

Although they acknowledge that their connections were illegal, they claimed that the city has ignored their pleas for a stable water supply for far too long.

With the water supply now completely cut off, residents said that this would not deter them.

They intend to take action, starting with a march to the local councillor’s home, before attempting to reconnect the supply themselves.

Armed police officers remain on the scene, to try and stop any further unrest.