Burning tyres block Vaal Dam Road as Shalimar Ridge residents demand electricity solutions

Frustrated residents of Shalimar Ridge staged a protest on Vaal Dam Road on May 15, blocking the entrance to the area with burning tyres as they demanded urgent intervention over ongoing electricity problems affecting the flats.

The protest caused traffic disruptions throughout the morning, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes while authorities monitored the situation.

Residents said the electricity challenges had been affecting daily life for weeks, with some claiming they had repeatedly reported the matter without receiving a permanent solution.

Community member Sipho Mahlangu said residents had reached a breaking point after enduring repeated power interruptions and poor communication.

“We have been patient for a very long time, but nothing is changing. Families are struggling because we cannot cook properly, children cannot study at night and many people are losing food because refrigerators are not working. We feel like our complaints are being ignored, and that is why residents decided to take to the streets so our voices can finally be heard,” he said.

Lerato Nkosi said the electricity problems were placing additional financial strain on already struggling households.

“Many people here are unemployed, and now we are forced to spend extra money on candles, paraffin and take-away food because we do not know when the electricity will come back.

“Some elderly residents and children are suffering the most. We are not protesting because we want trouble, we are protesting because we need basic services and answers from those responsible,” she said.
Josephine Thabethe Mokoena said the community hoped the protest would encourage authorities to act swiftly.

“We understand that protesting causes inconvenience to motorists, but people are desperate. There have been too many promises and not enough action. We want officials to come to the community, explain the problem, and tell us when it will be resolved. Electricity is not a luxury, but something every family depends on every day,” she said.

Motorists were advised to avoid Vaal Dam Road and use alternative routes while the protest continued.

No injuries had been reported, and authorities were continuing to monitor the situation.

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