POLOKWANE – Westenburg residents are relieved after water has been restored to the community about an hour ago. The community has been without water since yesterday morning.
Residents were angry and frustrated as they did not know why they did not have water or how long they would be without water.
After receiving several complaints, Ward Committee Member, Joosuf Pemma, managed to inform residents that a water pipe in Grand Canyon Street burst and that the municipality is working on the problem. Water was restored late yesterday afternoon at about 17:30, but connection was lost again in the early hours of this morning.
Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala confirmed that the pipe was damaged by a fibre cable contractor who worked in the area. “The pipe was fixed, however, upon supply restoration a leakage was reported this morning and had to be repaired. The water team is done with repairs and water has been opened.”
Asked why the entire community was without water and not just a specific area, Selala explained that the water pipe was not part of the main feed, but that there was a challenge with the valves. The supply thus had to be closed completely to allow the team to work on the line.
He added that it is important that residents make use of their ward councillors should they experience any municipal related problems. “When we have a supply challenge, we communicate with residents through their ward councillor and ward committee as well as the municipal website and social and traditional media platforms. Residents should please make use of these platforms to stay alert and informed with regards to municipal developments.”
He further explained that water tankers are dispatched as a temporary relief measure while the challenge is being dealt with. In term of times, residents must liaise with the ward councillor in their area and ward committee to give the driver an indication of which routes should be used to reach the affected members of the public.
Numbers to call in case of water challenges are (015) 023 5376/5629.
