West of Johannesburg, Coronationville saw violent clashes on Wednesday as residents’ protests over the lack of water turned into a standoff with police.
After four weeks without running water, protesters took to the streets, demanding immediate action from the city.
Johannesburg Water claims the city has implemented a system known as “throttling,” which reduces or stops water flow for hours at a time to protect storage reservoirs and control demand.
The utility said the approach was necessary because water consumption had increased sharply, endangering supply to parts of Johannesburg.
Why Coronationville residents are angry
Residents say they have not had a reliable water supply for years, and that in the past month taps have been completely dry.
Water trucks sent by the city deliver supplies, but locals complain the water is undrinkable.
Last week, resident Natalie Elias told reporters:
“Slovo Park, an informal settlement with 90% foreigners, has consistent running water. Us, as residents of the same ward, don’t have water. So we have to resort to stuff like this, just to get attention, just to get a drop of water.”
For many in Coronationville, the crisis feels unfair. They claim nearby areas continue to receive water while their households are left without, despite paying for municipal services.