POLOKWANE – Although most residents’ water supply had been restored yesterday (Monday) after being without water for over a week in some cases, many of them are up in arms over not being given feedback over the situation.
As a result, residents resorted to contacting the local media for information with Review’s switchboard practically ringing off the hook.
Municipal spokesperson, Matshidiso Mothapo, said the water crisis was caused when a private contractor damaged a major water pipeline while digging trenches to lay fibre optic cables in the city.
He said mayor Freddy Greaver had tried to get hold of the contractors to discuss issues relating to the damaging of the water system over the weekend, adding that the municipality was relieved to announce that the repairs to the damaged pipeline had been successful. Greaver spent some time last week personally checking on the progress on site.
But the municipality could not have been more relieved than the thousands of residents, businesses and schools that had been left high and dry.
Municipal communications manager, Tidimalo Chuene, said water was being pumped at full capacity on Monday and there were no signs of further leaks. “It would still take a while before water was restored to all the affected areas,” she said.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and urge residents who are still without water to contact our water section at (015) 290 2376 or control room at (015) 290 2000,” Chuene said.
“The municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused by the accident and appreciates the cooperation from residents during this period.”
As soon as the water supply was restored, local Facebook pages were overflowing with grateful residents’ comments about the bliss of being able to take a bath again and to be able to wash their laundry.
Some areas were still experiencing problems, though. Residents in Eduan Park and Bendor still had no water yesterday while people living in other areas said they had water intermittently.
