‘Multiple leaks’ on major pipeline to be repaired
In the space of two weeks, multiple water supply issues have been reported by the Polokwane Municipality.
The latest problem to affect water supply to the city, is “multiple leaks on the specon pipeline” and as a result, water supply from Olifantspoort supply line has been stopped.
Municipal Spokesperson, Thipa Selala said all areas of supply from Ga-Chuene to the city and Seshego will be affected.
“The stoppage comes at the time when most reservoir levels are sitting at a worrying 0%. LNW promised to complete the repairs within five hours from now and water supply shall be restored once Lepelle Northern Water’s team has completed the repairs,” he said in a statement.
Selala told Polokwane Observer once the pipe is repaired and supply is restored, it might still take long for water to reach all affected areas because the line could be empty due to the stoppage.
“Areas receiving supply are urged to use water sparingly and residents are urged to report challenges to the Water and Sanitation helpline at 015 023 5376 / 5629,” he added. On Wednesday, supply was interrupted following a mainline pipe leakage.
Last week Wednesday, the municipality announced a structured water supply management system in the form of a water-shedding schedule for the city’s high-lying areas.
Selela said at the time that water-shedding is seen as a solution to ensure that the high-lying areas, including Flora Park and Serala View, do not experience continuous water shortages as has been for a long time.
In a separate statement on Monday, the municipality said continuous power dips, loadshedding and muddy water at the Ebenezer and Olifantspoort plants negatively impacted the water supply to Polokwane and surrounding areas.
Also read: Muni blames lack of water on ‘continuous power dips’
According to a statement issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation yesterday, the provincial water storage stands at 60.3%.
Departmental Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said that the provincial water storage has in a week increased from 59.9% last week to 60.3%. “This week’s improvement is a continuation from late last year when dam levels in the province started to recover after several weeks of declining.”
Read more: Ebenenzer dam shows slight improvement from last week – Dept
