VDM cracks down on illegal water connections
Vhembe District Municipality removes unauthorised taps in the Nzhelele area to restore water supply to affected communities.
LIMPOPO – In a decisive move to address illegal water connections and vandalism of infrastructure, the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), which serves as the official water services authority, took action last Wednesday to remove all unauthorised connections.
The operation, carried out with the support of local councillors and the Harabali community, was a significant step in restoring water supply to affected areas.
Shonisani Sinyosi, portfolio head of technical services, explained that illegal water connections, often made by water sellers in the area, deprived the communities of Harabali, Haramavhoya, Matidza and Dzanani (commonly known as Biaba) in the Nzhelele area of their rightful access to water.
These illegal activities had persisted for several years, severely impacting the area, just outside Louis Trichardt.
“We want to thank the communities in the Nzhelele area who have had enough and are determined to protect their water infrastructure. They have been living without water due to illegal connections, and now, with their support, we can ensure they receive clean water,” said Sinyosi.
He added that the VDM’s technical team is working diligently to repair the damaged infrastructure to restore water to these communities.
Following the operation, Sinyosi, along with the Mphephu Police Station commander, Colonel Hangwani Mahafha, met with a group known as the Nzhelele Water Suppliers at the station to discuss a legal way forward for water distribution.
It was agreed that, for the time being, water suppliers will need to source water from the Mutshedzi Water Treatment Plant while the VDM technical team continues to repair the damaged pipes.
The suppliers will also be required to register with the district’s database and legalise their operations.
One local water supplier, Ipfi Mushanganyisi, expressed concern about the impact of the crackdown on their livelihoods.
“We were worried when the water pipes were removed, as selling water to communities was how we supported our families. We created jobs for ourselves by delivering water using our bakkies and trucks. We weren’t the ones who illegally connected the water; we simply used the existing pipes, however, we’re happy that our engagement with VDM has been fruitful, and we’re now able to sell water legally,” said Mushanganyisi.
