Polokwane water supply disrupted by bulk system challenges
Polokwane Municipality says ongoing operational problems at Lepelle Northern Water bulk systems are causing water supply disruptions in several areas.
POLOKWANE – Residents are continuing to experience water supply disruptions due to ongoing bulk water supply challenges affecting systems operated by Lepelle Northern Water, according to the Polokwane Municipality.
Thipa Selala, spokesperson for the municipality, said the municipality relies mainly on two bulk supply schemes, the Olifantspoort Water Treatment Plant and the Ebenezer Scheme, both managed by Lepelle Northern Water. Any disruption to these systems has a direct impact on water supply across the municipality.
“Lepelle Northern Water has recently faced several operational challenges, including power dips, emergency repairs, planned maintenance work and pipe bursts, resulting in inconsistent and unreliable water supply to some areas. These challenges have led to intermittent water interruptions from the bulk supplier, which have affected several communities within Polokwane,” Selala said.
He added that the municipality is currently dealing with an electrical challenge at the Sandriver Plant, which is affecting water supply to areas including Emdo, Legae la Batho, Mahlasedi Park, Rethabile Gardens, Mahloko a Phahla and surrounding areas.
Technical teams are on site and working to resolve the matter as quickly as possible to restore normal supply.
Selala said the municipality remains in constant engagement with Lepelle Northern Water to demand stability, accountability and permanent solutions to the ongoing challenges.
“At the same time, the municipality has activated its own water sources to mitigate the impact of the bulk supply disruptions and has implemented temporary relief measures, including the deployment of water tankers, to ensure communities are not left stranded,” he said.
While bulk supply challenges remain outside the direct control of the municipality, Selala said Polokwane Municipality will continue to intervene where possible and exhaust all available internal measures to cushion communities from the worst effects of the disruptions.
Residents have been urged to use water sparingly while efforts to stabilise supply continue.
