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The DA is calling for adequate and equal water demand management measures to be implemented around Polokwane.

Whilst the ANC Executive Mayor, John Mpe, proclaims that the water crisis is under control,  taps in numerous suburbs have been dry for weeks as a result of breakdowns, leaks and electrical failures from Polokwane’s bulk water supplier Lepelle Northern Water (LNW).

LNW has communicated a further 36-hour shutdown (notice attached) of the Ebenezer Scheme, scheduled to start at 07:00 on 9 of April 2024.

This planned shutdown comes at a time where many suburbs have been plagued with dry taps for 3 weeks or longer.

Polokwane Municipality should have adequate supply stored up in its Krugersburg reservoirs in the event of shutdowns, but the 50ML Krugersburg reservoir, one of the main storage reservoirs, has been dry for more than a decade under ANC rule.

Polokwane receives only 80 to 99 ML/day and is unable to meet the summer peak flow demand of 163ML/day.

Until the medium to long-term plans to augment supply come to fruition, Polokwane must work with the water received.

In a proactive municipality, that would mean water restrictions, surcharges or penalties for excessive use, but not in Polokwane.

Although there are tariffs to fine residents who misuse water, there are no officials who monitor these transgressions to issue fines.

One of the demands during the recent shutdown of Polokwane on the 4th  of April was a flat rate for water as this was granted to residents in the ANC stronghold of Mankweng.

Tankers are ineffective and not adequately monitored. While the cost of living is rising, a constant water supply is a rare luxury to residents who cannot afford to drill boreholes or pay for water deliveries.

The Auditor -General flagged a 36% water loss amounting to R87 million during the previous financial year.

We will continue to fight for Polokwane’s constitutional right to water and submitted a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission.

The DA in Polokwane is inviting residents to make their voices heard at the city cluster public participation meeting scheduled for the 11 of April 2024 at 18:00 at the Jack Botes Hall.

Issued by Councillor Jacques Joubert - DA Caucus Leader- Polokwane Local Municipality