Residents of Alexandra have taken to the streets in protest, causing major traffic disruptions in the area.
Alexandra protests affect these roads on Tuesday, 11 June 2024
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) reported that key routes, including London Road and 16th Avenue, have been barricaded with burning tyres and debris.
Officers are on the scene diverting traffic, but heavy congestion is expected as vehicles navigate around the closures.
The protests have led to significant traffic delays, particularly on routes connecting the M1 and N3 highways.
JMPD spokesperson Kenny Fihla advised motorists to exercise caution and seek alternative routes to avoid the affected areas.
Key roads impacted by the protests include Marlboro Drive and Far East Bank Drive.
Last week, similar protests erupted on the outskirts of Alexandra and Marlboro North, also due to prolonged power outages.
Residents blocked roads with burning tyres and rocks, resulting in extensive traffic disruptions.
The situation was managed by law enforcement, but tensions remain high as the underlying issues have not been resolved.
Why are Alex residents protesting?
The ongoing protests in Alexandra are primarily driven by frustration over prolonged power outages affecting the area.
Residents have been experiencing frequent and extended electricity cuts, which have severely impacted their daily lives.
The lack of a reliable power supply has prompted community members to take drastic measures to voice their grievances.
In addition to the power outages, there are broader issues of service delivery that have exacerbated the residents’ frustrations.
Poor infrastructure, inadequate public services, and perceived government inaction have fuelled the discontent.
The protests are a manifestation of these accumulated grievances, with residents demanding immediate action and long-term solutions to their problems.
Law enforcement agencies have been deployed to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
