WHITE RIVER – Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a progress report on the unplanned water shortages experienced over the weekend which affected some residents of White River.
According to the municipality, the problem was due to unauthorized electrical connections to the transformer that supplies power to the Phumlani water pump station which in turn augments water supply to White River.
“The unauthorized electrical connections which had been removed in the past, were repeatedly put back, resulting in power cuts which disrupt the functioning of the pump station and other equipment failure. These have since been removed again.
“The municipality warns people against connecting illegally to municipal infrastructure as it has unintended consequences that affects the provision of services to other communities. Security and law enforcement has been increased at these municipal assets and criminal charges will be laid against those who continue to break the law,” said MLM spokesperson, Mr Joseph Ngala.
It was further established that there was a telemetry problem on the bulk supply by the municipal service provider, Sembcorp-Silulumanzi, which has since been addressed.
“It is hoped that the bulk line will return to normal operation within the next six hours. Mbombela Local Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused,” said Ngala.
