Residents endure thirteen days without water

The matter was only resolved on Sunday, March 20, but the water still only lasts for a few hours per day. According to Elizabeth Shingange, a resident in the area, this has been ongoing for years. “We go for days without water. It is frustrating to be living in a township but still have no water. It is indescribably difficult to run a household without water. We have been complaining to the councillors in the past and were told that it is the Mopani District Municipality’s problem as they are the water authority in the region.”

According to Shingange, a tanker with water was delivered to them on day seven. On day twelve she turned to the Herald, EFF and the deputy minister of police, Cassel Mathale, who also has a house in the township, for assistance. Spokesman for Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM), Neville Ndlala told the Herald that GTM was only informed about the issue days later.

Also read: Many Greater Tzaneen areas without water due to problems at two water plants

“We issued a water shortage notice to residents in Nkowankowa and other areas such as Dan, Mariveni and Mokgolobotho. “This was caused by low water pressure from the Nkowankowa water treatment plant. Places that are in high-laying areas usually suffer when there is no water in the reservoirs. Residents in Tzaneen town experience the same challenges,” he said. He also added that people need to report the matter to councillors and the municipality as soon as they have water challenges. H

e believes that it took longer for the issue to be resolved as the residents did not report the matter immediately. Residents can call the following numbers for water issues: Lawrence Nkoana on 083 266-5780 (Nkowankowa and Letsitele); Tzaneen and Haenertsburg, Leo on 079 308 5608; Lovers Shipalana (Lenyenye) 076 576 7409. Back up contacts include, Tedia Molewa on 064 683 1693 (Manager Water and Sewer);  Mathema Tladi on 082 962 9802 or Danisa Shivambu on 061 549 0293 (Water and Sewer Technician)