The Olifantspoort water plant was out of operation from Tuesday afternoon after community members from Tswaing and Lehlokwaneng allegedly seized the keys to the pump station in the third incident of this nature during this year.
The action was allegedly in response to a no-show by officials of Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) at a meeting that was convened to discuss grievances raised by the community. Reservoir levels in the city were adversely affected and shortages and low pressure in higher catchment areas were expected yesterday (Wednesday).
Spokesperson for LNW, Simon Mpamonyane, confirmed yesterday (Wednesday) morning at the time of going to print that the plant was still off and added that the Police have been engaged to recover the keys to the pump station. Mpamonyane also explained that LNW was advised by the responsible ward committee member that the meeting with the community had been called off and that the LNW officials therefore did not attend. “LNW officials were threatened by community members and had to surrender the keys,” Mpamonyane said.
SAPS Provincial Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe could not confirm the situation at time of going to print.
On Wednesday morning, Communications and Marketing Manager of Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo confirmed that the Seshego reservoir was empty and that the levels of the other reservoirs were below average. Mothapo appealed to consumers to use water sparingly to avoid shortages and low pressure.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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