Community protests erupt over water and electricity shortages

Residents in Le Cap and Nouvelle-Découverte are protesting severe shortages of water and electricity. In Le Cap, local associations and the Housing Assembly are calling for a moratorium on new data center developments. Activists express concern that hyperscale data centers, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, will consume critical resources in areas where many residents still lack consistent access to running water and sanitation.

The Housing Assembly is contesting a land rezoning decision that could allow the American company Equinix to develop land near the international airport. Activists argue that such development must benefit the local community and address existing socio-economic disparities regarding water and sanitation policies.

In Nouvelle-Découverte, residents held demonstrations to demand equitable access to potable water following new rationing measures implemented by the Central Water Authority. Protesters are calling for increased water tanker deployment and the restoration of connections to the Eau-Bouillie service line, which was disconnected several years ago.