Protesting Zeerust residents block N4
The Ngaka Modiri-Molema District Municipality said it is working around the clock to restore water in Lehurutshe, North West.
Residents took to the streets on Tuesday, blocking the N4 between Zeerust and the Skilpadshek border post, during a service delivery protest.
Police fired rubber bullets at the demonstrators in attempt to clear the road.
District Mayor Khumalo Molefe said the water problem was exercebated by an Eskom substation that burnt down recently.
"One of our main water sources has been affected. We've got nine boreholes there. Five of them have dried up and we're remaining with four. While two are operational.
"Eskom substation has been burnt, and Eskom is working on it."
Molefe laid the blame on the local municipality.
"This is a matter that should not have led to protest action. I think management have dropped the ball; they have let us down. Because this is a pure operations and maintenance.
"We have negotiated with the protesters. They've agreed to give our technical teams access. Our technical teams are on the ground fixing that which should have been fixed."
North West police spokesperson Adele Myburgh said they are keeping an eye on the situation.
"The road has been opened, and traffic is free-flowing. This came after unrest was reported and the roads were blocked since early morning.
"Public order policing was immediately called to resolve the issues,” she added.
ALSO READ:
