LIMPOPO – A senior politician and ANC member in the Makhado Municipality is facing allegations of illegally connecting water to his business premises in Waterval township, a move that residents claim has exacerbated the already dire water shortages in the area.

Residents of Waterval township have been grappling with water disruptions for nearly two decades, a situation they believe has been worsened by tampering with the main bulk water pipeline.

According to local resident Bernard Maluleke, the community has been without a consistent water supply for over 10 years.

“We are all deeply affected by this because when people start taking matters into their own hands, they ruin the water infrastructure,” he said.

In an interview with CV, Maluleke expressed frustration over the lack of action from authorities.

“We reported this case of illegal water connection to the Vhembe District Municipality, but it seems they are afraid to act because the guilty person is a councillor. This unprofessional conduct by government officials amazes us. We have decided enough is enough and informed the district municipality that we will cut off all illegal connections ourselves. This kind of behaviour by a government official is unacceptable,” he added.

Maluleke called for the Vhembe District Municipality to take decisive action against its chief whip, Sampson Baloyi, whom he said was denying the entire community access to water.

In response to the allegations, Baloyi denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the claims as baseless accusations from jealous business competitors in the area.

Vhembe District Municipality spokesperson, Matodzi Ralushai, confirmed that the municipality is investigating the allegations.

“No one is allowed to make illegal connections, not even our officials,” Ralushai stated, emphasising that the municipality would take appropriate action once the investigation is complete.