Blame-shifting no solution to Polokwane's water crisis

Residents of the City of Stars are facing water supply constraints for several years now and it appears that the blame-shifting on this crisis does not contribute towards a solution.

- Barry Viljoen

In a recent communication, the municipality's spokesperson, Thipa Selala claimed that water supply disruptions are due to ongoing bulk water supply challenges affecting systems operated by Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) and explained that the municipality relies mainly on two bulk supply schemes, the Olifantspoort Water Treatment Plant and the Ebenezer Scheme, both managed by LNW and that any disruption to these systems has a direct impact on water supply across the municipality.

“Lepelle Northern Water has recently faced several operational challenges, including power dips, emergency repairs, planned maintenance work and pipe bursts, resulting in inconsistent and unreliable water supply to some areas.

“These challenges have led to intermittent water interruptions from the bulk supplier, which have affected several communities within Polokwane,” Selala said.