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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Polokwane takes note of the resignation of the Municipal Manager, Mr DH Makobe, dated 1 September 2021.

Mr Makobe’s resignation was approved by council and he will serve out his 2 months’ notice period whilst on leave of absence.

During Mr Makobe’s tenure, which commenced in March 2017, water supply deteriorated in our municipality.

The lack of access to water and dilapidated infrastructure were exacerbated by the drought experienced in the catchment areas of the dams from which Polokwane receives its water.

Polokwane have been experiencing water disruption, especially in higher located areas for more than 10 years now. During 2020, certain areas was without water for months.

The reasons for the challenges experienced in the water supply are primarily dilapidated infrastructure, the lack of personnel with the knowledge to maintain equipment like water pumps, and the lack of control regarding water consumption and wastage.

We are extremely concerned about the lack of urgency with which the Polokwane Municipality deals with water leaks and water infrastructure in Polokwane.

During a recent oversight to Sekgweng village, we witnessed how people share water sources with animals.

We are further concerned of the unaccounted loss of water at water bays which is a contributing factor to the persistent low levels of reservoirs in Polokwane.

It is clear that over the last decade, water issues were simply not prioritised by the municipality.

We call on the newly appointed Acting Municipal Manager, Mr Ramakuntwane Selepe, to prioritise the challenges around water supply to residents.

Access to water is an inalienable right entrenched in the Constitution and the DA will continue to hold the Polokwane Local Municipality accountable to ensure that all residents have access to water.

Issued by Councillor Franco Marx - Interim Caucus Leader - Polokwane Local Municipality