Frustrated by years of living without reliable access to basic services, residents of Golden View informal settlement took to the streets in protest over what they say is the City of Johannesburg’s failure to provide water, sanitation and electricity.
The residents say they have been engaging with the City since settling in the area in 2019, but little progress has been made despite repeated requests for assistance.
Golden View community leader Ntando Khulu said officials from the Department of Human Settlements conducted an audit after the community approached its Ennerdale offices, but residents are still waiting for basic services.
“We have approached the City several times for water and sanitation, but we were told there is no budget. We are protesting because we need water, and Johannesburg Water has still not inspected the JoJo tanks donated to us,” said Khulu.
Resident Gwebityala Mnokwe said the community could no longer wait for promises to be fulfilled.
“We have been promised water and electricity for years, but nothing has changed. Water is a basic need, and that is why we have taken our concerns to the streets,” said Mnokwe.
City of Johannesburg MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Cllr Jack Sekwaila said temporary relief would be provided while the matter is being processed.
“I have instructed my department to send water trucks to fill the JoJo tanks and requested additional tankers because people should not have to protest for basic services,” said Sekwaila.
MMC for Human Settlements Cllr Mlungisi Providence Mabaso said the donated water tanks could only be supplied once Johannesburg Water had completed the required process.
“The JoJo tanks were donated, but Johannesburg Water must complete its process before water can be supplied, as it is responsible for providing these services to informal settlements,” said Mabaso.
Residents say they will continue engaging the City until permanent solutions are found and their community receives the basic services they have long been requesting.
