Polokwane leaders demand action on illegal water connections
Municipality leaders call for urgent action to curb illegal water connections, highlighting vandalism and the need for better security measures.
POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality’s water and sanitation directorate came under scrutiny last Friday when the Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Polokwane Mayor John Mpe demanded immediate measures to curb illegal water connections in areas such as Nobody, Ga-Mothapo, Megerong and Matshelapata.
Accompanied by Cooperative Governance MEC Basikopo Makamu, municipal manager Thuso Nemugumoni, Lepelle Northern Water chairperson Nndweleni Mphephu, and municipal water and services director Tshimangadzo Thaba, the leaders conducted site inspections of reservoirs, pipelines, and other critical water infrastructure.
During the assessment, it was discovered that key infrastructure, designed to regulate water access, had been vandalised. Locked facilities were frequently accessed by water thieves, with visible graffiti marking the structures. This vandalism allows illegal connections to siphon off water, costing the government millions of rand. Despite barbed wire being installed for protection, it had been destroyed, highlighting the need for more effective security measures.
Mpe and Ramathuba called for urgent intervention. The premier emphasised the need for advanced technical solutions to detect and prevent illegal water connections in real time. She also urged the police to intensify efforts to arrest and prosecute offenders.
“We cannot tolerate this any longer,” she said, “we plead with our people to stop stealing water. Those selling it illegally must be arrested to send a strong message that this will not be tolerated.”
Thaba suggested having permanent security personnel to safeguard water infrastructure and committed to exploring improved research and security measures. The premier stressed the importance of protecting water infrastructure to prevent further losses and ensure communities receive their rightful access to water. She warned those involved in water theft that authorities would act decisively. “Only those with permits to source water may do so. Anyone found selling water without authorisation will face the full might of the law,” she concluded.
