Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says water has been partially restored to Ratanda, with higher-lying areas expected to receive supply within days following deadly service delivery protests.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says water has been partially restored to Ratanda following days of violent protests over prolonged water shortages that left two people dead and the home of Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi torched.
Speaking during a visit to the area on Sunday, Lesufi said water had returned to most parts of the community. However, residents in higher-lying areas would have to wait another day or two before the supply is fully restored.
“The water is back in the community, in those low-lying areas. I was also having discussions with the community here.”
“This is a high-lying area, so the executive mayor explained that it would take a day or two for the water to come to high-lying areas. But there is water. Water is back. I've interacted with people. It's only the high-lying areas.”
He said the government had put measures in place to prevent similar disruptions in future.
“We've put in a permanent system so that we don't have to revisit the problem.”
“But I plead with the communities to just wait for an additional day or so, and we'll be in a position to get water, especially the high-lying areas.”
On Saturday, Gauteng police confirmed the arrest of 15 people for public violence following days of unrest over water and electricity shortages.
The protests erupted on Wednesday after weeks of unreliable water supply from Rand Water, with frustrated residents blocking roads and demanding urgent intervention from authorities.
The demonstrations later spread across the township, prompting the deployment of a large police contingent as tensions escalated.
During the unrest, the home of Lesedi Local Municipality Executive Mayor Mluleki Nkosi was set alight.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the arrests.
“Police have arrested 15 suspects in connection with incidents of public violence during the unrest in Ratanda.”
She said no arrests had yet been made in connection with the arson attack on the mayor's home.
“At this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with the burning of the Executive Mayor’s house. Investigations into the arson incident are ongoing, and police are following up on all available leads.”
Muridili said police remain deployed in the area to maintain law and order while investigations into all criminal acts committed during the unrest continue.
The protests have reportedly claimed two lives, although police have not yet confirmed the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Meanwhile, Nkosi said the worst-affected communities are located in higher-lying areas, where it takes longer for water to reach them once supply is restored.
“The communities that were protesting basically reside in high-lying areas. The water is open, and it will take time to reach this high-lying area. As I speak, the reservoir in this area is at 10% now.”
He said authorities expect reservoir levels to improve by Monday.
“We hope that by tomorrow morning it will reach 40%, and as soon as it reaches 40%, the pump will start and will start pumping to this area. They will start getting some water, and we will continue providing them with water.”
Nkosi said he hopes residents will not return to the streets.
“I know that they believe that water is restored. In certain areas, water has started pumping in. But I instructed our employees to bring water tankers instead.”
He said police would escort water tankers into affected communities to ensure residents receive water safely.
“Though they stated that they are afraid, the police have indicated that they will support them. They will go with them to provide those water tankers.”
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