POLOKWANE – In another blow to the city’s already strained reservoir levels and water supply, the Olifantspoort Plant has been switched off again by Lepelle Northern Water (LNW).

According to LNW via the Polokwane Municipality, the second stoppage at the plant this week is due to repairs on the Specon line that is leaking in two places.

“The water utility has not given an estimated time for completion of repairs and restoration of water supply as it still needs to expose the pipe to establish the extent of damage,” municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala said.

Larger parts of the municipality are still experiencing water shortages due to constant challenges experienced on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer lines.

On Tuesday, the plant was switched off due to power issues that had to be resolved by Eskom, a second stoppage in less than a week and a half.

Read more: Reservoir levels remain low following Olifantspoort shutdown

Constant water interruptions have left many residents frustrated as day-to-day tasks are impossible to do.

Selala said the municipality will provide regular updates on the progress as and when received from LNW and provide temporary relief to affected areas.