LIMPOPO – Residents of Ravele, Madabani and Muraleni can breathe a sigh of relief after the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) restored water supply to the three villages following years of interruptions.

The communities had endured severe water shortages for almost a decade before water started flowing again on July 24, after repairs were completed on the reservoir and pipeline system.

Mayor confirms pipeline restored

VDM Mayor Miyelani Chauke visited the area to officially reopen the water supply and confirmed that the pipeline had been restored, bringing relief to the affected communities. He said the repairs formed part of the municipality’s ongoing efforts to improve the reliability, safety and efficiency of the local water distribution system.

“The immediate water supply challenge has been addressed. The upgrade of the infrastructure will strengthen the water distribution network and help reduce future disruptions,” Chauke said.

Business built over pipeline under investigation

He said that one of the factors contributing to the prolonged water supply problems was that a business had been built over the route of a main water pipeline, making it difficult to access and maintain the infrastructure.

He said the municipality intended investigating the matter and would consider legal action if it was found that the development had unlawfully obstructed municipal infrastructure.

Residents recall years of frustration

Resident Philip Mudzielwana said the water crisis had affected the three villages for nearly a decade.

“Many of the water pipes were damaged, while others were broken during road construction and were never repaired. As a result, our communities were left without a reliable water supply,” he said.

Mudzielwana said residents had repeatedly raised the matter with the municipality but were unable to repair the infrastructure themselves because it falls under the municipality’s jurisdiction.

“We have been patient for many years, but people are becoming frustrated.

“We have tried to prevent protests, but if nothing is done, the community may be left with no option. Any unrest would also affect businesses in the area and the local economy,” he said.

Concerns over water transfer plans

He also criticised the municipality over plans to transfer bulk water from the local dam to the Nandoni Water Scheme.

“The community cannot support such a plan while we continue to struggle without water. Our own water supply must first be secured.”

Mudzielwana further said that the community had previously raised concerns with the late traditional leader about the construction of a business on top of the main water pipeline, fearing that it would obstruct future maintenance work and affect water supply.

He urged the Vhembe District Municipality to investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action if any municipal by-laws or other laws had been contravened.