Five year ‘drought’ leaves residents fed up

POLOKWANE – Following the Mmotong wa Perekisi water shortages issues of more than five years, Audrey Mashilo, a son of one residents who lives in the community, said he is tired of the way the municipality has neglected them for so many years. Having to buy water from other people who have boreholes, far away from where they stay, is a strain on their parents.

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Some of the children sometimes go outside of town to look for jobs and have to come back home to assist their parents with getting water, as their parents are old and can’t push wheelbarrows with heavy water bottles.

Polokwane Municipality Spokesperson Matshidiso Mothapo said water shortage is currently a municipal wide challenge. “Mmotong wa Perekisi is part of the Olifants Sand River Water Scheme, and as part of the Regional Water Scheme (RWS), 21 boreholes were drilled in that area and are being equipped and energised in phases,” Mothapo said.

He further explained that in 2016/17, five boreholes were equipped, two are energised and fully functional, two are equipped and fitted with a transformer, and only pending connection by Eskom, and the matter is receiving attention. “The remaining of the five boreholes still needs to be furnished with an electricity distribution line and transformer,” he said.

As part of the 2017/18 financial year, Mothapo explained three more boreholes were equipped and energised. “The boreholes were however fitted with troubleshooting transformers and will be upgraded. There are funds in the 2018/19 financial year earmarked to continue with the equipping of boreholes in the RWS and extending reticulation further. This will result in sufficient supply in Mmotong wa Perekisi and nearby villages,” Mothapo added.

He concluded that the consistent supply of water remains a priority of council and it is work in progress.

anne@nmgroup.co.za