Residents of the historic Schotsche Kloof flats in Bo-Kaap took to the streets on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to demand the urgent restoration of their water supply following weeks of intermittent service. The protest, which took place in Wale and Chiapinni Streets, highlights a deepening crisis affecting nearly 1,000 people who have faced severe water supply disruptions since the beginning of May 2026.
Dispute Over Multi-Million Rand Debt
The water supply issues stem from a long-standing financial dispute between the City of Cape Town and the local body corporate, which allegedly owes the municipality R17 million in outstanding debt. Erefaan Hendricks, a trustee for the Bo-Kaap Body Corporate, reported that the situation has escalated recently, noting that the city had disconnected an additional three blocks within the past week.
“Yes, the water was off since beginning of May, right up to now they disconnected three more blocks in the last week or so,” said Hendricks.
Local residents have expressed frustration over the living conditions caused by these measures. Resident Nadiema Davids described the situation as “irritating, frustrating, terrible and just not right” during the demonstration.
City Position On Infrastructure Management
The City of Cape Town maintains that it has not implemented a full termination of services but has instead restricted supply to bulk water meters to recover the accumulating arrears. Zahid Badroodien, the Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, stated that the intervention is a necessary step due to the unsustainable financial state of the account.
“Water supply continues… however supply is currently restricted to bulk water meters in light of the unsustainable accumulating debt,” Badroodien said during a recent engagement.
The ongoing standoff reflects broader challenges regarding fiscal compliance and municipal service delivery in high-density residential areas. Legal representatives and community leaders are expected to engage in further discussions with municipal authorities to find a resolution that ensures water access while addressing the outstanding debt obligations.