Polokwane Municipality to investigate water shortages
The municipality says they are aware of the growing number of complaints regarding water disruptions and are working to identify and resolve the issue.
POLOKWANE – As the city continues to grapple with ongoing water shortages, the Polokwane Municipality says its doing everything in its power to restore normal water supply.
Several suburbs in the city have been without water for weeks with little to no answers from those in power.
A quick survey of the Polokwane Review-Observer’s WhatsApp groups, which total over a thousand people, suggests most residents have been without consistent supply for more than 10 days, while other residents have been without supply for more than a month.
The municipality, however, says they are investigating the cause of the water shortages, especially in areas that are supplied by the Dalmada supply line such as Bendor, Flora Park and surrounding neighbourhoods.
“The municipality is aware of the growing number of complaints regarding water disruptions from areas serviced by the municipality and the Water and Sanitation team is working to identify and resolve the issue as promptly as possible,” said municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala
He added that a stoppage on Monday at the Sand River had a further negative impact on water supply across various areas but that did not go down well with residents.
Residents took to the comment section of the municipality’s Facebook page to voice their frustrations:
“What is the point of reporting water issues when you can’t be bothered to even acknowledge or respond to our messages. The investigation should start within the LNW and polokwane municipality,” one resident said.
“How is it possible for you to investigate what you already know. You’re also part of the problem, just give us water as we pay our rates please,” said another.
Meanwhile, the DA have set up an online petition that demands the municipality fulfills its duty to provide reliable water access for all residents.
“Access to clean, reliable water is a constitutional right—yet residents of Polokwane continue to suffer due to ongoing water shortages and an unreliable supply. We cannot remain silent any longer. The Polokwane Municipality has failed in its duty to provide a consistent water supply to its residents, leaving many without access to this basic necessity for extended periods. Water interruptions affect our daily lives, our health, and our livelihoods. It’s time to hold the municipality accountable,” the petition reads.
As at 09:50 this morning, the petition has garnered over 2 785 signatures.
Selala urged residents in areas still receiving water to use it sparingly to help manage the available supply.
“The municipality also encourages all affected residents to report any water challenges promptly to the dedicated Water and Sanitation helpline so that the municipality can respond effectively.”
