Seshego residents enter second week without water

POLOKWANE – Residents of Seshego entered a second week without reliable water supply as ongoing repairs by the Polokwane Municipality and bulk supplier Lepelle Northern Water continued.

The disruption has caused significant inconvenience to households and small businesses, particularly in areas with densely packed homes such as RDP houses, where unflushed toilets pose sanitation risks.

During a community meeting in Ext 71, residents expressed their frustration, calling the situation a violation of human rights and a breeding ground for sewage-borne illnesses, particularly for children.

One resident highlighted the challenge of limited access to municipal water trucks, which only stay in specific sections for short periods. Many without transport struggle to collect enough water to last until the next tanker visit.

In low-income areas with high numbers of backyard rentals accommodating students and migrant workers, the limited capacity of water tankers has been further strained. Complaints were also raised about the quality of the water provided, with residents describing it as brown in colour and unfit for consumption, although it is used for essential household activities.

The municipality attributed the latest water crisis to a malfunction at Olifantspoort Pump Station 3 and promised to continue deploying water tankers until the issue is resolved. “The provision of water tankers will remain in place until normal water supply is restored by Lepelle Northern Water,” said municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala, adding that updates would be provided as repairs progress.

Lepelle Northern Water explained that during a recent shutdown, a damaged bypass feed pipeline at Specon Reservoir was replaced to address severe water losses.

The pipeline, dating back to the 1970s, had significantly deteriorated, necessitating urgent replacement.

Residents remain hopeful for a speedy resolution to restore their access to clean, running water.