Sosh residents protest power, water outages
They haven’t had electricity in over 24 hours amid water shortages in the last few days.
Soshanguve Block UU residents took to the streets in frustration after they spent over 24 hours without power while also enduring water shortages on Monday.
The protest resumed in the early hours of Tuesday morning as residents insisted on being heard.
The residents barricaded Ruth First Road and Aubrey Matlakala Street making it difficult for motorists to get in and out of the community.
Soshanguve residents are tired of your excuses Mr Mayor pic.twitter.com/4F4ApbN1vS
— Raymond Khensani (@KhensaniRaymond) January 31, 2023
The residents had accused the Tshwane metro of not rendering the required services.
They said water and power outages were unacceptable.
Protests are intensifying in Ruth First Rd, Soshanguve with burning of tyres. It’s headed to R80 after days without electricity and water. @Abramjee @CityTshwane @tshwane_mayor @ewnupdates @sa_crime @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/hqij3IbMos
— Lehlogonolo Mokgathi (@KingAvatar_) January 30, 2023
Soshanguve Block L, LKK, LVV, M and VV had suffered power outages on Saturday and Sunday which has since been restored except for Block UU.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the outages over the weekend were common faults that usually occurred in the network.
“There shouldn’t be continuous power failures except those emanating from load-shedding which are unavoidable in some instances,” he said.
He added that areas without power would be attended to.
“Other issues have been resolved already and outstanding ones are being attended and should be resolved,” he said.
Tshwane metro police spokesperson Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said the blockaded roads have been opened and the protesters dispersed peacefully.
“We are aware of this morning protests and at this stage we are still to confirm the reasons for protests. Currently roads are open but there’s still some rubble and protesters has dispersed peacefully,” he said.
ALSO READ: Final ring of the bell for school principal as he retires
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
