Residents of Ext 23 in Ratanda took to the streets on March 19, barricading roads with burning tyres in protest against prolonged water shortages in the area.

Community members say they have endured more than two weeks without a reliable water supply, leaving many frustrated and concerned about the impact on their daily lives and health.

One of the residents, Thandeka Mngomezulu (40), said they have gone more than two weeks without water, and the situation is becoming unbearable with each passing day.

“We cannot cook properly, we cannot clean our homes, and even maintaining basic hygiene has become a daily struggle. Some families are forced to wake up very early or travel long distances just to get a few buckets of water.

This is not the way we should be living, and it is now seriously affecting our health,” she said.

Another resident, Anna Thabethe (48), expressed deep frustration over what they described as a lack of response from authorities.

“Every single day, we are forced to make a plan just to survive without water, and it is exhausting both physically and emotionally. We feel completely neglected and unheard by those who are supposed to help us.

“Reporting the issue has not brought any change, and that is why we felt we had no other option but to take to the streets and demand immediate intervention,” she said.

Mmabatho Msimang highlighted the impact on vulnerable groups within the area.

“This is no longer just an inconvenience; it has become a full-blown crisis for our community. Our children are going to school without properly bathing, and our elderly residents are struggling the most because they cannot carry water over long distances. We are worried about diseases and the long-term effects on our health. What we need now is a permanent solution, not temporary fixes or empty promises,” she said.