TZANEEN – The ongoing water shortages in Tzaneen is placing an unbearable strain on residents, severely disrupting daily life and worsening an already dire situation.

DA councillor in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) and member of the Infrastructure and Finance Portfolio Committee, Chrisma Bredenkamp, said in a statement to the Herald that the crisis has particularly affected the most vulnerable members of the community.

“Mothers with infants struggle to prepare formula due to a lack of water at night, elderly residents who cannot carry heavy containers are left without access to water, workers leaving before dawn and returning late at night cannot meet basic hygiene needs, and children participating in sports are unable to shower after practice.”

Bredenkamp said the persistent leaks result in the loss of millions of litres of water, while illegal diversions by water tankers continue unchecked.

“Instead of addressing these critical issues, the municipality prioritises new developments without ensuring that existing infrastructure can support them. This failure to implement sustainable solutions and enforce accountability is unacceptable,” Bredenkamp said.

The DA’s GTM caucus has now called on Mayor Gerson Molapisane, municipal manager Donald Mhangwana, engineering director Freedom Mthetwa to convene an open meeting to address the ongoing water crisis. “We demand that they outline concrete steps, including infrastructure augmentation and rehabilitation, and measures to reduce water loss, misuse, and theft,” the DA said in a statement.

Vutivi Makhubele, GTM, spokesperson told the Herald that the municipality is aware of the recent increase in illegal tankers operating within the town.

“To address this issue, we have activated our law enforcement team to assist in impounding illegal tankers drawing water from fire hydrants. This measure has proven effective in managing the situation in the past.”

Additionally, GTM has a dedicated response team that attends to water leakages and pipe bursts promptly upon receiving reports.

“We encourage the community to help by reporting any pipe bursts in their areas. The municipality is committed to responding quickly when these issues are reported in a timely manner.”

To report water leakages or pipe bursts, contact Tedia Molewa at 061 429 0073 or Mathema Ntladi 082 962 8902 or join your local water reporting WhatsApp group.