Westbury Residents Protest Water Shortages, Police Respond with Rubber Bullets

Johannesburg, South Africa – Tensions remain high in Westbury, west of Johannesburg, as residents protest ongoing water shortages. The demonstrations have seen barricades formed with rocks and burning tires, with police firing rubber bullets and stun grenades to control the crowds. Access has only been granted to essential personnel, including hospital staff attending to mothers and children.

Water Crisis Sparks Protest

Residents have vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, citing weeks without running water. Many elderly residents, including some in their 80s, say they struggle to access the few water tankers in the area, highlighting the difficulty for those without family members to fetch water on their behalf.

READ: Joburg Water Crisis Deepens: Ebony Park and Westbury Residents Take to the Streets

Community members described the current situation as unacceptable, emphasizing that water is a basic right that should not be denied. Some residents referred to the temporary water supply as controlled by “water mafias,” alleging inconsistent access and concerns over water quality.

Community Voices

One protester, Jayen, said:

“The police are fast to come shoot us for water, yet when our brothers are injured or killed, there’s no response. We’ve been without water for over three weeks. We are standing peacefully — no weapons, no bricks — yet we are being targeted.”

Residents also shared how daily life has been disrupted, including school attendance and local businesses struggling due to the lack of water. Solar geysers remain inactive, and households cannot perform basic activities like flushing toilets or cooking.

Another local, an 82-year-old resident, emphasized the plight of the elderly:

“Some of us were born here over 50 years ago. Without running water, life becomes very difficult. The government must not forget that water is a basic right.”

Police and Traffic Disruptions

Police have been on standby, attempting to manage the situation while protesters continue throwing stones and bottles. Traffic has been heavily disrupted, with motorists turning back and seeking alternative routes to avoid the unrest. Authorities have struggled to maintain order as tensions rise intermittently throughout the day.

Despite some reduction in active confrontations, residents remain firm in their protest, demanding a reliable and consistent water supply rather than temporary tanker deliveries.

Local Leadership Reacts

Efforts by local councillors to mediate have been met with frustration. One councillor expressed anger at media coverage and emphasized that residents’ primary need is access to water and an end to police aggression, rather than commentary on the situation.

READ: Johannesburg's Water Demand Pushes Entire Gauteng System to Its Limit

The situation in Westbury underscores broader challenges in municipal water delivery, with communities continuing to voice their grievances and demand urgent solutions.

Summary:
Westbury residents have taken to the streets in protest against prolonged water shortages, creating road blockades and confronting police. The demonstrations highlight systemic issues with municipal water delivery and the urgent need for authorities to address access to this essential service.