Angry residents block roads over shortage of water
Rain was responsible for putting an end to the protest, which was done by Nkowankowa residents on Tuesday, September 20.
The demonstrations were done by residents from Nkowankowa C, on the Mariveni road near Ben Farm, blocked the roads due to a lack of water.
According to Mopani District Municipality (MDM) the sustained electricity supply disruptions have had a negative effect on the water treatment capacity on both the Nkowankowa Water Works in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and the Giyani Water Works in the Greater Giyani Municipality.
“Water production at the two water treatment works has been affected negatively and thus also affecting supply. The backup generators installed at these plants have not functioned optimally to mitigate this challenge. However, we are working to resolve the challenge and finding a permanent solution,” said Odas Ngobeni, spokesperson of the MDM who is the water authority in the region.
Also read: TZANEEN: Angry protesters stop road project
He said that water tankers will be dispatched to the affected areas, particularly the high lying areas, in consultation with the two local municipalities.
“The electricity supply disruption also affects pumping to reservoirs, our booster pump stations and water distribution.
This leaves most people without water or with low pressure, especially in the high lying areas. The communities supplied through boreholes are also affected,” he said.
He invited residents who are in need of water tankers in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality area to call MDM official Livhu Mutobvu on 073 065 7749.
