Motorists were requested to seek alternative routes on Monday morning, 1 August, after the R103 (between Colenso and Estcourt) was closed by protesters.
The road, which leads to Estcourt and turns off onto the N3, was completely closed off with burning tyres, rocks and broken glass as protesters demanded local leadership to meet with them. “We had no water for the past few weeks, with no water tankers on site,” said one of the protesters.
This is becoming a recurring situation as many residents within Colenso, Estcourt and surrounding areas have been left without water.
Frans Malan, a Colenso resident, said that the lack of water in Colenso is becoming an everyday issue. “We have been without water for weeks and we report and call to uThukela, but nothing seems to get done,” said Malan.
Earlier this year, Colenso residents met with uThukela Municipality officials regarding the ongoing water problems, however, no solutions were given. The R103 protestors told The Ladysmith Herald that they will not leave until they have met with councillors and the leadership of uThukela Municipality. “The roads will remain closed until we are met.”
