Town thirsts as Spekboom River starts to dry up

BURGERSFORT – Residents in the town are urged to use water sparingly. In recent weeks, many residents have questioned the lack of water in town and the neighbouring areas.

Lepelle Northern Water’s (LNW) Simon Mpamonyane said the water supply had previously been acceptable until challenges were experienced as a result of the drought-affected water supply.

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“We hereby wish to inform residents of Fetakgomo Local Tubatse Municipality getting water from the Burgersfort Water Scheme about the serious water supply challenges.

“Spekboom River is drying up, and should rain not be received within the coming two weeks, water supply will be seriously affected. LNW will only be supplying water from boreholes and Mooihoek Scheme,” said Mpamonyane.

LNW further reported that the river is silting, therefore making it impossible to supply enough water to Burgersfort.

According to LNW, the water supply at Burgersfort Scheme has decreased from 6,2ml/day to 2,7ml/day, meaning that some areas in Burgersfort are not getting water.

However, the Mooihoek Scheme and the boreholes available are assisting in managing the situation, with high level areas mostly affected.

Speaking to Steelburger/Lydenburg News, Sekhukhune District Municipality’s communication officer, Willy Mosoma said the situation is so severe at Burgersfort Scheme that a raw water abstraction pump was stopped on October 7 due to extreme low levels at Spekboom River.

“It is therefore against this background that customers of SDM are advised about the sporadic water cuts which will be implemented as part of water-restriction measures to be undertaken until the rainy season.

“Businesses and residence are advised to use water sparingly in appreciation of this current situation. SDM officials are on standby to assist customers should the need arise,” added Mosoma.