LIMPOPO – Several sections of Nkowankowa have been without water for days due to a breakdown of pumps at the Nkowankowa Water Works.

The resulting interruptions have left residents frustrated, especially as the technical team has been slow to resolve the issue.

Tiko Axi etleli Hi Haxa Thswii (TAHT), a local community group, condemned Mopani District Municipality (MDM) Mayor Pule Shai and water director Paradise Shilowa for their lack of response.

TAHT expressed its outrage over the silence and inaction from municipal leaders, who have yet to communicate a clear plan, provide emergency relief, or allocate necessary resources to restore water services.

“The situation is dire, and residents are paying the price for government failure,” the group stated.

TAHT has made several demands: immediate purchase and installation of new water pumps to replace the aging, irreparable system; emergency intervention from Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and the Office of the Presidency to oversee and fund the full restoration of water supply; a thorough investigation into the management of the water infrastructure and how the crisis was allowed to escalate; and accountability measures, including potential suspension of those responsible, such as Shai and Shilowa, pending the investigation.

Responding to the crisis, MDM spokesperson Odas Ngobeni acknowledged the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure.

Despite this, he said the municipality remains committed to optimising the system to ensure a reliable water supply to affected communities. Ngobeni confirmed that water tankers have been deployed in collaboration with the Greater Tzaneen Municipalities to provide temporary relief.

He further stated that on Tuesday, October 14, the municipality expected to receive spare parts and materials needed to repair the broken pumps, with plans to have the treatment plant operational again by Thursday, October 16.