Tensions are running high in the KwaXimba area west of Durban, where frustrated community members took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking key access roads in a protest against prolonged water and electricity blackouts.
Residents barricaded the entrances to the area with burning tyres and large rocks, effectively disrupting traffic and bringing normal activities to a standstill. The demonstrators are demanding immediate intervention from local authorities, claiming they have been without clean drinking water and electricity for a significant period.
According to community spokespersons, the lack of basic services has become unbearable. They stated that households have been forced to resort to unreliable sources for water, raising health concerns, while the extended power cuts have paralyzed daily life and small businesses.
“We are tired of being neglected,” said a resident leader representing the protesters. “We cannot continue to live like this. We need water and we need electricity. These are basic rights.”
The protest caused significant disruption to motorists traveling in and out of the area. Law enforcement officials were dispatched to the scene to monitor the situation and manage the flow of traffic, though no immediate arrests were reported.
At the time of publication, representatives from the eThekwini Municipality had not yet issued a formal response regarding the grievances or a timeline for restoring services to the affected community. The residents have vowed to maintain the blockade until their demands are addressed.