Westbury, Coronationville residents protest over prolonged water crisis

By Palesa Nguqu

Angry residents of Westbury and Coronationville in the west of Johannesburg took to the streets to protest against the ongoing water crisis that has crippled their communities for years.

This comes after City of Joburg, Joburg Water and Gauteng provincial government authorities promised that water supply to the rea would be restored but taps remain dry.

However, residents said they have not had a drop of water for a few months now, saying that the City of Johannesburg has completely neglected them. 

Tensions escalated when some demonstrators hurled bottles and stones at police, who responded with rubber bullets, stun grenades, and teargas.

Earlier on Wednesday, Johannesburg Metro Police Department spokesperson Xolani Fihla said motorists faced heavy traffic disruptions in Westbury, Coronationville, Westdene, Martindale and Sophiatown, as major routes were blocked with burning tyres and debris. Residents also barricaded Fuel Road, a key connector between the areas, with