In the article that was published on 28 July, Charisma Bredenkamp, proportional councillor and representative of the Democratic Alliance (DA), raises several issues regarding the state of Tzaneen’s water infrastructure and the resulting lack of water supply in the town and surrounding areas. Vutivi Makhubele, media liaison for the GTM, responded on Tuesday stating:

“We acknowledge that we have water infrastructure challenges in our town. This is mainly due to ageing infrastructure more especially the bulk pipeline supplying the Georges Valley treatment plant as well as the reservoirs. “We have been in constant engagement with Mopani District Municipality (MDM), which is the water service authority about the state of the water infrastructure.

Also read: Greater Tzaneen Municipality’s water restrictions

“We have requested intervention more specifically on the replacement of the old bulk water pipeline which regularly suffers leakages,” Makhubele added. “The argument that we are losing 3 million litters of water a day is not based on scientific proof but mere common sense and guesswork,” Makhubele added.

“The illegal drawing of water from fire hydrants has been addressed and is currently not the result of water shortages,” said Makhubele. The Herald will follow up on the issue raised about a moratorium on new developments that were allegedly lifted in May since conflicting and confusing statements were received on the matter.