Seshego residents demand action from mayor over water crisis

POLOKWANE – The police in Seshego have removed stones and tyres used by residents in the area to block motor-vehicles from travelling to the city.

Residents are demanding action from the mayor John Mpe over the water crisis that has left the municipal area without a consistent supply of water for over two months.

“I reside in Luthuli 106 in an RDP house and have newborn babies and children who go to school. We are unable to cook and go about our daily lives. Schools request learners to bring water in containers but we have no water to pour into those containers. RDP toilets are incorporated into our houses and now there’s a stench. We want water,” Mmaphefo Masenya said.

This morning’s protest also led to the suspension of Leeto la Polokwane buses to the area and the closure of shops at the Seshego Circle Centre as local business owners joined to vent their frustration over a lack of income generation.

“I own a hair salon in Zone 1. I pay R5 600 for rent monthly and two weeks have already passed without water. What am I going to give to my landlord on the 31st because I have been returning my customers back to their homes with the money. We try our level best to make an honest living with our businesses. John Mpe must give us our water,” Gusty Leshaba said.

Residents said Mpe has not fulfilled promises made at an engagement session at Ngoako Ramahlodi Hall in September and said it is due to maladministration and incompetency on the mayor’s part.

Read more: Mayor heeds Seshego’s call for engagement session