POLOKWANE – Residents in the city are encouraged to prepare ahead of time for a series of planned water shutdowns as part of Phase 2 of Lepelle Northern Water’s (LNW) upgrade and commissioning programme.

LNW said the shutdowns, which will affect key pumping stations, are necessary to bring new and improved pump stations into operation.

This, they said, is aimed at enhancing the reliability, efficiency and overall performance of their water supply systems in the long term.

The upcoming planned shutdowns follow the recent 48-hour shutdown of the Olifantspoort Scheme in July, which impacted water supply across Polokwane, Seshego and other areas.

The shutdowns are scheduled as follows:

• July 23-24: Olifantspoort Scheme – Pump Station 2 and Pump Station 3 (48 hours).
• August 6-7: Ebenezer Scheme – High Lift Pump Station (48 hours).
• August 20-21: Olifantspoort Scheme – Pump Station 1 and Pump Station 2 (48 hours).

Shorter shutdowns (less than 48 hours) are anticipated in August and September and will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, the Polokwane Municipality warns that areas supplied by the affected schemes may experience low water pressure or a temporary supply interruption during the shutdowns.

“Residents are kindly urged to use water sparingly and to store sufficient water in advance for essential use,” said Thipa Selala (Polokwane Municipality spokesperson).