POLOKWANE – Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) has secured a significant exemption from load-shedding for its water treatment works and essential distribution infrastructure following a crucial engagement with Eskom.

This exemption is a major step towards ensuring uninterrupted water supply to residents in the Capricorn District Municipality, including the Polokwane local Municipality.

LNW CEO Dr Cornelius Ruiters recently met with senior Eskom management to address concerns regarding the impact of power outages on water supply.

A key outcome of the meeting was Eskom’s agreement to exempt power lines linked to LNW’s water treatment plants and booster pump stations from load-shedding.

The most significant development is the exemption of LNW’s power supply infrastructure from Eskom’s load-shedding schedule. This move ensures a more reliable water supply for communities reliant on LNW’s services.

Eskom committed to enhancing communication about planned maintenance and outages.

LNW’s communication officer Joe Makhafula says timely notifications will enable LNW to implement contingency plans, mitigating the impact on water distribution.

To improve response times to power-related disruptions, Makhafula says Eskom has assigned a dedicated liaison for LNW.

“This will streamline issue resolution and enhance efficiency in addressing power supply concerns.”

Acknowledging the critical role of water supply, Eskom confirmed that infrastructure essential to LNW’s operations will receive special priority during power disruptions.

This marks a shift from previous protocols, where water infrastructure was treated like standard clients.

Eskom and LNW discussed the impact of extreme weather conditions on power infrastructure, as well as the persistent challenge of vandalism and theft.

Eskom has implemented enhanced security measures to protect vital equipment and ensure operational stability.

Makhafula says regular high-level meetings will be held as part of the Limpopo Premier’s Water War Room initiative to ensure continued cooperation between LNW and Eskom.

“This proactive approach aims to address power-related challenges before they escalate.”

Dr Ruiters described the meeting as a major breakthrough in securing a stable water supply.

“This exemption is a game-changer for communities dependent on LNW’s services. Reliable electricity is essential to sustaining water delivery, and this collaboration with Eskom is a step in the right direction.”

The exemption ensures that LNW’s water supply remains unaffected by rotational power cuts, significantly improving water security for residents across the Capricorn District Municipality.