The City of Mbombela (CoM) has acknowledged growing frustration over ongoing water shortages affecting parts of White River, as investigations continue into a suspected leak along a key bulk supply line.

CoM spokesperson Joseph Ngala said the technical team is working to restore consistent supply, but challenges remain.
According to Ngala, bulk water service provider Silulumanzi has been operating only one pump to the Boschrand reservoir for the past two weeks. The reservoir supplies Elawini, Kiaat, Bundu, Rocky Drift, White River and Msholozi.

“The supply has not been sufficient, as it has failed to meet demand. A leak is suspected along the line, which is preventing the operation of all three pumps simultaneously. Silulumanzi initiated a shutdown at 04:00 on January 23, which lasted the entire day, to allow for further investigation and system checks,” Ngala said.

He added that during this period, no water was pumped to White River. About 80% of White River’s water supply originates from the Mbombela City Water Works.
Ngala said the Boschrand reservoir level is slowly rising and is currently above 20%. While the underground reservoir remains critically low, it is supplying homes in lower-lying areas.

“Operators and plumbers are on site monitoring the situation. We anticipate the system will recover once Silulumanzi has resolved the problem. We have augmented supply with four water tankers at strategic locations: Shoprite, the TPA area, the Engen filling station and the Civic Centre. Hillsview is also affected; however, two tankers were deployed there on Saturday, January 24,” Ngala said.

He apologised for the inconvenience, as residents continue to call for a long-term solution to the area’s recurring water supply issues.
Johan Haymans, chairperson of the White River Ratepayers Association, expressed the community’s frustration.

READ: Water crisis in Mbombela persists 

“To be without essential services like water for days is a disaster and a disgrace. Residents pay rates and taxes, yet they are left without the very services they pay for. Elderly people and those with illnesses rely on fresh drinking water to stay alive and recover. People must work to earn a living to pay their rates and taxes, yet the CoM does not even make water tankers available,” Haymans said.

He added that residents are demanding the immediate restoration of water to all affected areas.
Silulumanzi spokesperson Richmond Jele said a major leak is suspected along the White River Bulk Supply line near the Nels River crossing.

ALSO READ: Water crisis persists in Mbombela and White River

“As a result, the system is currently operating at 50% pumping capacity, which may lead to water shortages and low water pressure in affected areas,” Jele said.
He added that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact location and extent of the leak. In the meantime, Silulumanzi is mobilising the necessary resources to ensure that repair work can begin as soon as the leak point has been identified and confirmed.