Residents up in arms over water shortages

Residents of Lega La Batho outside Seshego blocked Nelson Mandela Road in the early hours of Monday during protest action, demanding among others, water provision and general service delivery from the Polokwane Municipality.
Concerned residents say they have been living without running water for the past three months.
They have also accused the municipality’s waste management unit of being unable to collect refuse in the area on time and on stipulated days.
Community member and local resident, Letlabika Molapo said the water situation in the area is dire and they need urgent intervention from the municipality.
“The situation is bad. We have been without running water for the last three months and the most painful thing is that we are paying exorbitant rates for water we don’t even use. We have engaged the municipality on the matter on several occasions but our concerns have fallen on deaf ears.”
Mabina Kgawana said uncollected waste in the area has a way of denting the image of the area.
“The area looks like a dumping site when waste is not collected and we cannot continue like that.
“We need more efficiency and proactiveness from the municipality in that regard.”
Spokesperson for Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo said everyone is affected by the water crisis in the city.
“We acknowledge their concerns. However, we are in a water crisis and we have engaged various communities on the matter.
“Ebenezer dam levels are low and high-lying areas such as Legae La Batho are affected. We have provided relief through water tankers in the affected areas to the best of our ability.”