Parents, teachers and the community are up in arms after Gen Piet Joubert School of Skills in Polokwane was billed nearly R400 000 for almost nine million litres of water – despite not having a functioning municipal water supply for over four years.

Polokwane Review reports the school, which has more than 600 learners, including over 200 in hostels, has had to rely on unreliable water tanker deliveries since its connection was severed.

The matter came to light after the institution, desperate to maintain other essential services, settled the disputed accounts for water it never received. Attempts to get answers or assistance from municipal officials reportedly fell on deaf ears.

“It’s an insult to injury,” said Egbert Wierenga, a teacher at the school.

“We need at least 40 000 litres of water a day to provide for basic needs such hygiene and food preparation. “Tankers are inconsistent, and often don’t arrive at all.”

The revelation has sparked fresh anger over the Polokwane Municipality’s handling of water supply and billing issues, particularly in vulnerable institutions like Gen Piet Joubert School, which caters to learners with special educational needs.

Johan Retters, DA ward councillor, has called the situation both neglectful and exploitative.

“It’s not just about poor service. It’s a violation of basic human rights. Children are going without water, and a struggling school is being milked dry by the same municipality that’s failing it.”

Retters also pointed to ongoing water shortages in the nearby Môregloed residential area, saying this was further evidence of the municipality’s systemic failures.

He has called on Mayor John Mpe to intervene immediately, ensure consistent tanker deliveries, reverse the R400 000 bill, and restore permanent water access to the school.

“The health, dignity and education of these children are at stake. Mayor Mpe must act now,” he said.

The municipality has yet to respond to the allegations.

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