TZANEEN – Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) Mayor Gerson Molapisane has called for the full responsibility of water supply to be transferred from the Mopani District Municipality (MDM) to local municipalities, citing inefficiencies in the current system.

Speaking during a ministerial visit to Giyani by Cogta Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola, where MDM Mayor Pule Shayi delivered a state of the district address, Molapisane warned that the existing water distribution framework is failing residents.

Under the current system, MDM is the designated water service authority as per the Water Services Act, while the five local municipalities, Greater Letaba, Greater Tzaneen, Ba-Phalaborwa, Maruleng, and Giyani, act as service providers under service level agreements.

Molapisane stressed that the arrangement could lead to dire consequences, particularly in Tzaneen. He argued that municipalities should be granted authority over water management to improve service delivery and reduce dependency on the district government.

“Tzaneen has immense growth potential, yet every time I raise this issue, there is opposition. If we fail to resolve the water crisis in Mopani before the next election, we will face major challenges,” Molapisane told Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who was present during the visit.

“Our people need water, and wherever we go, we are reminded of this urgent issue. If necessary, all municipalities should be designated as water service authorities so they can better serve their communities. I am willing to be their spokesperson in this matter,” he added.

MDM spokesperson Odas Ngobeni acknowledged that the idea of decentralising water authority is not new.

“Our position remains unchanged. GTM has the option to formally apply for Water Service Authority (WSA) status and must follow the legally prescribed processes,” he told the Herald.

New dams considered amid water supply disputes

At the same meeting, it was revealed that MDM is considering constructing new dams to address ongoing water shortages in Giyani.

This follows unsuccessful negotiations with agricultural giant ZZ2 to remove apparent blockages in water streams feeding the Middle Letaba Dam.

Last year, according to Shayi, former Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu directed ZZ2 to dismantle certain catchment dams that were restricting water flow to the Middle Letaba Dam.

However, ZZ2 took legal action, challenging the directive in court, a process that could take years to resolve, according to Shayi.

In response, MDM has engaged the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on plans to build additional dams in the Majosi and Levubu areas to mitigate the crisis.

“We have been working with DWS, and I know that an investigation into water licences was initiated under the former minister, which ZZ2 is now contesting in court,” Shayi said.

“While that legal process unfolds, we are exploring the construction of new dams in Majosi and Levubu to supply water to the Middle Letaba Dam. We are collaborating closely with DWS to find a long-term solution for Giyani’s water crisis.”

ZZ2 declined to comment when approached by the Herald for a response.