BREAKING NEWS – Unrest at Olifantspoort, water crisis looms

The three reservoirs situated adjacent to Ster Park are currently empty and no water has been pumped from the Olifantspoort plant since yesterday (Wednesday) due to community unrest in the area. Some of the lower catchment areas of the city are already experiencing shortages and low pressure and it is expected that the situation will escalate before the reservoir levels are back to acceptable levels again.
Spokesperson for Lepelle Northern Water (LNW), Simon Mpamonyane, confirmed this morning (Thursday) that the keys to the plant were taken by community members who protested in the area and that it was not safe to operate the plant under these circumstances. “LNW negotiated with the community throughout Wednesday and it was agreed that the plant could be brought back into operation today (Thursday). No water is pumped to Polokwane at this point in time (09:00 on Thursday) as we have to inspect the equipment first. Pumping should resume this morning still,” Mpamonyane said but could not indicate how long it would take for the reservoir levels to rehabilitate.
Communications and Marketing Manager of Polokwane Municipality, Matshidiso Mothapo, confirmed the low levels of the reservoirs and said that the city is dependent on LNW to supply the bulk water. He urged residents to use water sparingly and confirmed that water tankers will be deployed in affected areas.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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