Muni urges ‘correct procedures’ in drilling

POLOKWANE – The EFF in the Capricorn region has commenced with the drilling of boreholes in the city’s Wards 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 26, 36 and 37 following a consultative meeting which its members held with these communities last month at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Hall in Seshego.

Among the handful of concerns raised on October 8, the over 500 residents conceded that consistent and adequate water provision was the biggest shortfall, especially in a township with sizable education facilities, businesses and healthcare centres, among others.

After the meeting, deployees of the organisation in the region were tasked with identifying areas or facilities that must be assisted first with 10 000-litre tanks with a combined capacity of 130 000 litres daily. As it stands, older houses and RDP sections of the area of which the inhabitants rely on government grants, were prioritised, party representatives said.

Currently, parts of Zones 5 and 8, Juju Valley, the extensions and Lithuli are being equipped.

“We are going to move over to Polokwane, then head to Mankweng and so on,” regional chairperson, Molatelo Mahladisa mentioned.

“The EFF will also have on standby 16 000 litres and 10 000-litre trucks which will help communities during periods of water shedding. These boreholes will benefit almost 200 000 people around Polokwane,” the statement reads.

In 2021, the party installed boreholes for the Juju Valley community, an area named after the leader, Julius Malema.

The city’s municipality, hours after the EFF announced this plan, released a public statement urging all to “follow the correct steps when drilling boreholes and apply at the municipality to perform such activity”.

“We are not only drilling for water, we also call experts to assist with the assessment of water. Someone has to stand up and do something because things are getting out of control.

“The municipality was consulted and we take it that we are above board,” Mahladisa added.

A municipal statement, released by spokesperson Thipa Selala stated that it is essential for the public to adhere to rules that govern underground water usage and borehole drilling as stipulated in Section 59 of Polokwane Municipality: Standard Water and Sanitation By-laws:

“Except with the prior permission of the council, no person may use or permit the use of water obtained from sources other than the water supply system, and other than rain water tanks which are not connected to the water installation, and in accordance with such conditions as the council may impose, for domestic, commercial or industrial purposes, and except with the approval of any other authority required by any law. Any person requiring the permission referred to in subsection (1) must, at his or her own cost, provide the Council with proof to its satisfaction that the water referred to in that section complies or will comply with the requirements of SANS Code 241:1999 (Fourth Edition): Drinking water and any other requirements as contained in page 1 of 2.