In Verulam, citizens protested water shortages by blocking roads and voicing anger over dry taps.
As the water crisis in Phoenix, Verulam, and oThongathi continues, the Democratic Alliance blames Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and EFF Cllr Themba Mvubu for their inaction.
After two years of water shortages, Parkgate and Ottawa residents burned rubbish and tires to protest uneven water tanker deliveries and demand a steady water supply.
Verulam goes 2 years without consistent water supply
On 22 January 2024, residents north of Durban torched branches, garbage, and tires to protest service delivery. Their situation dates back to the April 2022 floods.
Residents said water tankers were irregular and only served wealthy Verulam, Umhlanga, and Tongaat communities. Despite massive rains, many taps have gone dry in recent days, strengthening their desire for a reliable water supply.
Verulam residents protest prolonged water woes
Dissatisfied residents in Verulam, a neighbourhood north of Durban, take to the streets to protest water shortages. On 22 January 2024 in the morning, the community burned tires and blocked vital roadways in and out of the region, fed up with dry taps.
Residents erected barricades at the R102 at the Tottenham Intersection in Ottawa to protest their water crisis. Residents complained about days or months without water in communal WhatsApp groups. Even water tanks, a lifeline in such situations, are missing.
Local voices expressed dismay:
“Days or months without water have plagued the town. Not even water tanks supply us. Multiple officials have visited, but no resolution has been reached.”
City officials failed to store water in Phoenix, Verulam, and oThongathi
The Verulam demonstration follows a regional water shortage. The Democratic Alliance demanded accountability last month, demanding “heads roll over the catastrophic water crisis.” The City’s management has failed to handle the water issue in Phoenix, Verulam, and oThongathi, according to DA member Yogis Govender.
Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and EFF Cllr Themba Mvubu were hammered for their inability to resolve the problem. Water shortages have lasted up to 75 days in New Phase Upper Madrona near the reservoir, Nine Upper Roads, and Trenance Park.