MAYOR'S WATER TANKERS FALL SHORT

Residents vow more protests if water woes drag

- ANITA NKONKI

JOHANNESBURG West residents vowed a repeat of last week's water protests, after queuing for hours for water while the mayor's relief promise falters.

Joburg Mayor Dada Morero visited Westbury and Coronationville on Thursday after protests erupted over persistent water shortages.

Roads had been barricaded with burning tyres, and residents clashed with police, who allegedly fired rubber bullets at crowds, including children and the elderly. Morero promised the community that R800 million had been set aside to tackle infrastructure challenges driving the unrest and assured them that 15 water tankers would be dispatched immediately to provide temporary relief while longer-term solutions were pursued.

But when the Saturday Star visited yesterday, long queues of residents stood waiting with buckets and containers. In Newclare, a lone tanker stationed since morning drew snaking queues resembling an election day.

Many had been at the collection points since 8am, only to leave empty-handed.

Households have endured weeks of dry taps with little communication from the city. While some buy water, unemployed families say they cannot afford it.