POLOKWANE – The Polokwane Municipality deserves a pat on the back after efforts to mitigate the water crisis in the city have succeeded, with reservoir levels quite high for the first time in weeks.

Some residents in higher situated areas who suffered from no water or very low pressure recently saw the light when supply improved.

Old pipes struggling under new pressure

A matter of concern, however, is that pipe breaks in the areas that are still serviced with asbestos cement pipes are quite frequent now as a result of the higher pressures on the outdated equipment that have long ago reached the end of its economic lifespan.

The pipes are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but they become brittle with age and can degrade and the municipality has not as yet rolled out the second phase of the replacement of the pipes with uPVC conduits and it could not be established when the second phase will be rolled-out.

Tankers still on standby

Water tankers were still deployed to assist consumers suffering from low pressure and water shortages in some areas and the municipality appealed to residents to continue to use water sparingly.

“For prompt assistance and to report water and sanitation issues, use the MyPolokwane Citizen App to ensure swift municipal response,” municipal spokesperson Thipa Selala advised.

Municipal call centre: 015 290 2000/2458/ 015 023 5000

Dedicated water and sanitation helpline: 015 290 2376 or WhatsApp: 068 290 8736.