POLOKWANE – Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) has announced that the planned shutdown of the Olifantspoort Scheme has been moved by one day and will now take place this Friday (November 21) instead of Thursday as originally scheduled.

LNW spokesperson Joe Makhafola says the 24-hour shutdown will run from Friday to Saturday (November 22), to allow maintenance teams to carry out essential work on the bulk water supply system that feeds parts of Polokwane and surrounding areas.

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“Due to an investment conference hosted by one of our key stakeholders on the same dates, LNW has revised the shutdown schedule to ensure minimal disruption,” his statement read.

According to the utility, teams of engineers, contractors, and operations staff are fully prepared for the maintenance project, with water supply beginning to stabilise by 22:00 the same night.

Makhafola also confirmed that a final shutdown for 2025 is planned for December 3–4, ahead of the busy festive season when demand for water is traditionally at its highest.

“Customers will be updated accordingly to ensure adequate preparation,” he added.