Coronationville water crisis: Residents vent frustration at councillor’s ‘absence’

The protestors blocked the intersection of Perth Road and Harmony Street, affecting Westdene, Brixton and Westbury areas near Helen Joseph Hospital.

The local ward councillor has been accused of failing to engage with residents, neglecting to address their concerns or even showing up for meetings. 

The councillor’s absence has reportedly exacerbated tensions, fuelling discontent among community members.

“We need our councillor to come out and assess the situation, but she is never available,” one resident told Jacaranda FM News. 

Ward councillor Genevieve Sherman could not be reached despite numerous attempts by Jacaranda FM News to contact her.

The protest comes amid a warning from Rand Water about critically low water levels across Gauteng.

The bulk water supplier says taps will run dry if municipalities do not implement its recommendations; hence, it is advising local authorities to address water leaks and illegal connections.

Residents, frustrated by prolonged water outages, staged a dawn protest to voice their discontent.

“I’m an elderly citizen. I have been living here all my life, and I’m a Muslim. I pray and take a bath five times a day, but now I can’t because of this water problem,” a resident said.

In response to water shortages, local businesses have drilled a borehole to support community needs.

Local schools have suspended classes due to water shortage.

“The water comes on in the early hours of the morning when we are asleep, it goes back off when it’s time for us to get ready for work and school,” the resident added. 

Johannesburg metro police and the police are on the scene to monitor the situation. 

ALSO READ