Ratanda residents block R549 in protest over water crisis
Frustrated by weeks without water, the community demands action from Lesedi Local Municipality as tensions rise.
A Ratanda residents’ protest blocked the R549 Vaaldam Road in response to ongoing water supply issues on December 12.
The residents of Ratanda Ext 23, Obed Nkosi and others voiced concerns over having dry water for a few weeks (at the time of publication).
The protesters packed the road with stones and various objects to stop all traffic from using it.
The residents are adamant that Lesedi Local Municipality (LMM) is not living up to its commitment to restore the water supply.
According to the information, the water pump pressure to the reservoirs should be at least 550kpa, but the pressure in the LLM area is only 250kpa.
The community members have had enough of standing in queues to receive water. The sick and elderly are suffering, and residents want LLM to take the situation seriously and find alternative solutions.
Many residents currently get their water from the Blesbokspruit, which is unsuitable for human consumption and could cause illnesses.
The residents believe the LLM has not got its act together in this regard.
The community has not damaged any property yet, but the local SAPS, the CPF and AfriForum are on standby at the scene and monitoring the situation.
“We are monitoring the situation and will be ready if any action is needed,” said Sergeant Moss Maluleke, the Ratanda SAPS corporate communications officer.
