Vaaldam Road shut again as Ratanda water protests continue amid unconfirmed shooting claims
Vaaldam Road remains closed as Ratanda Ext 23 residents continue protesting ongoing water shortages, disrupting transport and daily life. Police are monitoring the situation while authorities investigate unconfirmed reports of two people allegedly being shot during the unrest.
Vaaldam Road remained closed on July 3, as residents of Ratanda Ext 23 continued their protest over ongoing water shortages, further disrupting traffic, public transport and daily life.
Protesters erected barricades across the roadway, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
Police maintained a visible presence throughout the morning to monitor the situation and ensure public safety.
The Heidelberg District Taxi Association confirmed that all taxi operations to and from Ratanda had been suspended until further notice due to safety concerns arising from the ongoing unrest.
Unconfirmed reports also emerged alleging that two people had been shot during the protest.
The ongoing protest comes despite a recent meeting between residents and the mayor of Lesedi Local Municipality, during which water supply challenges affecting Ratanda were discussed.
Residents say they expected improvements following the engagement, but say that conditions have not significantly changed, leading to renewed frustration.
The continued protest has also prevented many residents from reporting for work, with several saying they feared travelling through the affected area while tensions remained high.
One resident, who requested to remain anonymous, said the prolonged disruption had placed additional financial strain on already struggling families.
“I had no choice but to stay at home today. I depend on my daily wages to provide for my family, and every day I miss work means money we simply cannot afford to lose. We understand why people are protesting because we have been without water for so long, but the situation is affecting everyone,” he said.
Tshepiso Mokobung said uncertainty surrounding the protest had left many workers with little option but to remain at home.
“I woke up early hoping to get to work, but with the roads blocked and everything so tense, I decided it wasn’t worth risking my safety. My employer is unhappy, but my family’s safety has to come first,” she said.
Motorists are urged to avoid Vaaldam Road until further notice and to use alternative routes while authorities continue to monitor developments.
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