LIMPOPO – Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) met with the Vhembe District Municipality on July 6 to outline the current state of bulk water supply in the district. The utility confirmed that its Nandoni Water Treatment Works is producing an average of 55 megalitres (ML) a day, short of the 81.8ML/day currently needed by residents.

Nandoni’s production currently falls 24ML/day short of the district’s demand of 81.8ML/day. That’s despite the plant having a design capacity of 60ML/day – meaning even running at full capacity, Nandoni would still fall short of what’s needed.

What’s driving the shortage

LNW identified increasing water demand, driven by population growth, power interruptions, illegal water connections and vandalism of critical infrastructure, as the main challenges affecting supply.

The plan going forward

To address these issues, LNW and the municipality agreed to strengthen collaboration on water conservation and demand management, infrastructure protection, revenue enhancement and long-term planning, including expanding the Nandoni Water Treatment Works from 60ML/day to 120ML/day.

LNW also assured the municipality that the water supplied complies with national drinking water standards.

LNW: “A common understanding on the way forward”

LNW board chairperson Dr Nndweleni Mphephu said the engagement marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between the two institutions.

“As our service level agreement approaches its conclusion in November 2026, we have reached a common understanding on the way forward. We have agreed to work jointly to combat vandalism and illegal water connections, improve institutional capacity and ensure every community receives reliable access to water,” he said.

Municipality: focus on debt and enforcement

Vhembe District Municipality Mayor Miyelani Chauke said the meeting demonstrated a shared commitment to tackling challenges such as rising water demand, sustainable supply, debt management, renewal of the bulk water services agreement, infrastructure damage and enforcement of municipal by-laws.

“As Vhembe District Municipality, we remain committed to improving revenue collection, implementing practical debt management measures and honouring our financial commitments. We look forward to continued collaboration with Lepelle Northern Water to ensure reliable and sustainable water services,” Chauke said.

He added that renewed efforts were needed to protect water infrastructure from vandalism and illegal connections through partnerships with law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, ward committees and communities, while ensuring that discussions translate into measurable action.