Nkadimeng meets Ward 20 residents about water crisis

Engaging with residents of Ward 20 which comprises a part of Fauna Park, Flora Park and Serala View, Polokwane Executive Mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng gave background on the recent water shortages at a meeting at Flora Park Comprehensive High School on Tuesday evening.
Nkadimeng explained that water supplied to the city in bulk by Lepelle Northern Water comes through the Specon pipeline of approximately 90 km running via Lebowakgomo. “Some of the shortages during the last three weeks were as a result of interventions by local communities at the Olifantspoort plant, resulting in interrupted supply to the city’s reservoirs. Pipe bursts and power interruptions at the Ebenezer plant also caused low reservoir levels,” Nkadimeng said.
Nkadimeng thanked residents for their patience while the reservoir levels were allowed to recover and explained that lower catchment areas are most and longer affected by low pressure.
Regarding pipe bursts and damage to the main feeder line from the Krugersburg reservoirs, Nkadimeng said that the municipality is doing all within its capacity to restore supply to consumers as quick as possible. “It takes some time because valves first have to be shut off and water in the pipes drained before work can start,” Nkadimeng explained.
Nkadimeng reported that the project to activate and connect boreholes to the city’s reticulation system is making progress and that it will also bring relief in times of shortages.

Story & photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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