No water for Limpopo Legislature

Water trickled from the taps at the Provincial Legislature for the first time in nearly three months yesterday (Wednesday) following enquiries made by Polokwane Observer to the Capricorn District Municipality on Tuesday.
Pressure was however very low and not enough to flush toilets early in the morning.
People working at the Legislature complained that they have not had running water for the last three months and that blocked toilets were causing such a smell that they could not bear the stench any more. Sources informed that they left early from work in the afternoon due to the situation. Jacques Smalle, Democratic Alliance Provincial Leader said the problem has been an ongoing one for the last two years. He said they couldn’t use their offices at the Legislature as a result of toilets that cannot flush.
Female staff said they have to go to the Mall at Lebo in Lebowakgomo when Mother Nature calls and then have to pay R2 per visit to the mall’s cubicles.
Jabu Masondo, Spokesperson for the Capricorn District Municipality said the problem emanates from old and dilapidated infrastructure and a pipeline coming from Olifantspoort.
“The pipeline burst often and we are consulting with Water Affairs and Lepelle-Nkumpi Municipality to replace the pipeline. We do need a budget to replace the pipeline, though, and have to replace it with a bigger pipe to supply enough water. It is not only the Legislature, but also shops in the area and Polokwane itself that is inconvenienced by the pipeline. As soon as the pipeline is replaced people will receive adequate water, but the money will have to come from the National Department of Water Affairs,” Masondo said.
Masondo said the people at the Legislature are exaggerating as it has not been three months that they have been without water. He also said that during this period there was water from time to time. Polokwane Observer’s sources are adamant though, saying they did not have water since October last year, and do not know the reason therefore, although they have lodged complaints.
Spokesperson for the Legislature, Alfred Masilokgomo could not be reached for comment and his cell phone’s mail box was full. Secretary of the Legislature, Simon Mothoa, could also not be reached for comment on his mobile phone or landline.

Story: NELIE ERASMUS
>>nelie.observer@gmail.com