POLOKWANE – Polokwane Municipality has declared the ongoing water disruptions across the city a crisis and is now pursuing legal action against its bulk water supplier, Lepelle Northern Water (LNW).

Premier and minister roped in to resolve crisis

Municipal Spokesperson Thipa Selala confirmed that the matter has been escalated to Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and National Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina for urgent intervention.

According to Selala, the well-being of residents, the stability of the economy, and the dignity of communities remain non-negotiable priorities for the municipality.

Executive Mayor Cllr Makoro John Mpe has formally written to Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, regarding the persistent failure of LNW to pump adequate bulk water to the City.

In his correspondence, Mpe expressed concern, saying, “Their (LNW) attitude and lack of commitment leave me with no option but to consider taking legal action and stopping payment to them.”

Mpe maintained that the municipality remains up to date with its monthly payments but continues to receive unacceptable treatment from the utility.

Also read: Polokwane water supply disrupted by bulk system challenges

High-level meeting convened as reservoirs run dry

Following the escalation, Minister Majodina convened a high-level meeting on Monday (March 2), which was attended by Deputy Minister Mahlobo and Premier Ramathuba.

Selala confirmed that the Minister has since delegated a team led by the Deputy Director-General to urgently engage and implement corrective measures aimed at stabilising water supply to Polokwane.

The municipality has issued a formal letter of dissatisfaction to LNW, constituting a notice of breach of the existing Service Level Agreement.

Selala explained that the letter outlines the persistent failure to provide reliable, predictable, and stable bulk water supply to the city.

“For nearly two months, since February 7 2026, critical water reservoirs in Polokwane have remained at crisis levels, despite clear agreements reached to address the problem,” said Selala.

He noted that the failure to implement the agreed recovery plan has created an operational emergency and poses a direct and ongoing threat to water security, public health, economic activity, and essential services.

The Premier had previously convened a high-level intervention meeting to halt the impending crisis. However, Selala confirmed that none of the agreed remedial actions were implemented by the bulk supplier.

Also read: LNW denies sole blame for Polokwane water shortages

City to pursue legal and financial recourse

Selala stated that the municipality has repeatedly engaged the bulk supplier, but that these engagements have not yielded the required improvement.

“The continued inaction and apparent lack of urgency in addressing this crisis are unacceptable,” he added.

The municipality has now given the bulk supplier 30 days to remedy the breach.

Selala warned that failing this, “the City will consider appropriate legal and financial recourse in defence of its residents.”

He emphasised that Polokwane Municipality remains available for urgent engagement in a final attempt to avoid litigation, but corrective action must be immediate, measurable, and sustained.

“The residents of Polokwane have a legitimate expectation to receive reliable water supply, and that expectation will be defended,” Selala concluded.

LNW’s response

LNW spokesperson Joe Makhafola acknowledged the concerns but stressed cooperation.

“The municipality is a good customer that pays on time. We are aware of the water supply challenges in the city due to a growing population.

“Our goal is to speak in one voice when we reconvene with the deputy director general in the Water and Sanitation Department.

“We are focused on engaging in the technical discussion underway so that solutions can be found,” he said.