TZANEEN – Residents in several Tzaneen suburbs continue to experience unreliable water supply, with questions being raised about whether distribution problems are contributing to the ongoing shortages.

Aqua Park, Arbor Park, Premier Park, Macadamia and Golden Acres are among the affected areas.

Reservoir under pressure

In a public notice issued on October 28, Greater Tzaneen Municipality (GTM) said the Saagmeul reservoir was operating below 20% capacity due to increased demand during the heatwave. The municipality said available water was insufficient to supply the entire town and urged residents to avoid watering gardens, washing vehicles and filling swimming pools while the system remained under pressure.

On Friday, October 30, DA Clr Chrisma Bredenkamp questioned how water was being distributed from the reservoir. She said its level had dropped to 14% before recovering to approximately 20%.

According to Bredenkamp, Saagmeul does not have a dedicated supply line, as certain areas were previously authorised by the municipal manager and mayor to draw water directly from the pipeline before it reaches the reservoir.

Distribution concerns

On a water WhatsApp group, she said that a broken meter meant the municipality could not measure the volume of water entering the reservoir. A replacement meter had reportedly been ordered.

Bredenkamp maintained that the shortage was primarily a distribution problem rather than a general supply or ageing infrastructure issue.

She further reported that the reservoir pump had tripped and that water supply to areas drawing directly from the pipeline would be shut off nightly at 20:00 over the weekend to manage distribution.

Regarding the Georges Valley water treatment plant, she said inflow had remained between 94 and 98 litres per second for several months, compared with a previous reading of 107 litres per second and a design capacity of 120 litres per second. She suspected possible leaks and said she planned to inspect the pipeline.

Residents seek answers

Meanwhile, residents on a community WhatsApp group called for a meeting with the municipality to address the ongoing water problems.

Bredenkamp pointed out that previous meetings attended by the responsible municipal directors had attracted only 17 residents.

Resident Uwe Kroh questioned the lack of participation by municipal officials on the WhatsApp groups used to report water problems. He praised Bredenkamp for actively seeking answers and keeping residents informed, and offered to organise another meeting. “Let’s move from complaining on WhatsApp to constructive engagement with the municipality,” he said.

On the water shortages, VF Plus Clr Wayne Kurten said he had been unable to obtain firm commitments from municipal management regarding the restoration of reliable water supply. He suggested that clearer commitments might only be forthcoming within seven to 14 days, after the new municipal council had been appointed.

The new council and mayor are expected to be sworn in on November 20, following the local government elections on November 4. Firm decisions would only be possible once the new council was in place.