The Heidelberg and District Taxi Association, in partnership with the South African National Taxi Council, has suspended all taxi operations until further notice as the ongoing water protest in Ratanda continues to disrupt the area.

The announcement was made in a public notice released on July 3, in which the association informed commuters that taxi services would be halted with immediate effect due to the current situation.

The HDTA apologised for the inconvenience and urged passengers to make alternative transport arrangements until services resume.

The decision follows days of unrest in Ratanda, where residents have been protesting over a prolonged water crisis that has left many households without a reliable water supply for weeks.

The demonstrations began in the early hours of Wednesday in Ext 23, with frustrated residents blocking roads and demanding urgent intervention from authorities. Protest action later spread to other parts of Ratanda, including Obed Nkosi, causing widespread disruption to traffic, businesses, schools and public transport.

Police were deployed to the area after tensions escalated, using tear gas and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse protesters and reopen blocked roads.

Although Lesedi Local Municipality has confirmed that it is engaging with Rand Water and the Gauteng Provincial Government to address the water crisis, residents have continued with the protest, saying they will remain on the streets until a lasting solution is found.

The ongoing unrest and road closures have prompted the HDTA to suspend all taxi operations, citing safety concerns for commuters, drivers and operators.

In its statement, the association said the decision was taken after consulting with its members and would remain in effect until further notice.

The suspension is expected to affect hundreds of commuters who rely on taxis to travel between Ratanda, Heidelberg and surrounding areas for work, school and other essential services.

Meanwhile, police and emergency services remain on high alert as the protest continues.

Authorities have urged motorists to avoid affected roads and use alternative routes while efforts continue to restore calm and resolve the water crisis.

Residents are also encouraged to monitor official announcements for updates on the restoration of water services and the resumption of public transport operations.