PHALABORWA – As communities across Phalaborwa continue to grapple with water shortages, clean water has reportedly been flowing from a leaking pipe along Makhushane Road for more than three weeks.

The leak is alleged to have started on Thursday, September 3, when Lepelle Northern Water teams were removing and disconnecting illegal water connections on the main supply line.

The continued loss of treated water has raised concerns among residents, particularly as Namakgale and surrounding areas continue to experience unreliable water supply.

Water system faces major challenges

The Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality previously attributed the water challenges to major structural and network problems affecting the Namakgale water system.

In a statement issued earlier this month, the municipality said a high-level stakeholder team comprising representatives from Mopani District Municipality, the municipality and Lepelle Northern Water had conducted an urgent inspection of the Namakgale Reservoir.

The municipality said technical teams had identified a leak at the base of the 13-megalitre reservoir, a broken isolation valve and significant water losses along the main supply line caused by illegal connections.

Illegal connections targeted

Lepelle Northern Water was expected to begin removing illegal connections from the rising main line to reduce water losses and improve system pressure.

The municipality said that once the main line was secured, reservoir levels were expected to recover to above 80%, allowing a consistent water supply to be restored. However, residents in Namakgale continue to report water shortages.

Leak remains unresolved

The Herald contacted municipal spokesperson Jonas Mahesu on Wednesday, September 23, regarding the leaking pipe. Mahesu said the technical team had indicated that the leak would be attended to by Lepelle Northern Water.

However, days later, the leak was still flowing and clean water continued to run along the road.

The Herald attempted to obtain comment from Lepelle Northern Water spokesperson Joe Makhafula on Tuesday, September 29, but he could not be reached.

Water problems persist in Wards 7 and 5

Meanwhile, water problems also continue to affect Wards 7 and 5, where residents have raised concerns about the alleged tampering with water valves.

Ward 7 has reportedly been without a reliable water supply for almost four weeks.

During a recent mayoral imbizo, Mayor Merriam Malatji said padlocks would be placed on the valves to prevent tampering. However, residents say the promised padlocks have not been installed.

Municipality says work is underway

Responding to questions about the situation, Mahesu said the municipality was aware of the problems affecting Ward 7.

“Ward 7 is a special programme. We are aware that the valves are being tampered with, but our technical team is working on a solution. Lepelle is also on its mission to terminate all the illegal connections,” said Mahesu.