Polokwane faces a daily water shortfall as stabilisation efforts intensify

Last updated on 16 March 2026

Efforts to stabilise the water supply in Polokwane have been intensified as the government and water authorities attempt to address persistent shortages that have affected households, businesses, and public services in the city.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has coordinated with Lepelle Northern Water and the Polokwane Local Municipality on interventions aimed at stabilising supply while longer-term infrastructure upgrades are developed.

Technical teams have conducted inspections along the Olifantspoort Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which supplies water to parts of the city, and are assessing infrastructure constraints that affect the flow to the Krugersburg reservoirs, located at the end of the bulk supply network.

Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the deficit has placed growing pressure on the city’s water system.

“Polokwane currently faces a daily shortfall in supply, with demand at 174 million litres while existing sources provide only 118.15 million litres. This leaves urban areas nearly 13 million litres short each day,” Ramathuba said.

She said the shortages have affected both residents and the local economy.

“These disruptions affect households, businesses, and industrial activity in the city, and it is therefore critical that all spheres of government work together to stabilise supply and ensure long-term water security,” she said.

As part of the response, authorities have introduced new coordination measures to improve management of the city’s water system.

“The Technical War Room will enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to operational challenges, while bi-weekly meetings and the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure will strengthen coordination and accountability,” Ramathuba said.

Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo said cooperation between national, provincial, and municipal authorities would be essential to resolve the crisis.

“The ministry is working closely with provincial and municipal authorities to implement targeted measures aimed at stabilising the bulk water supply system while ensuring sustainable water security for Polokwane,” Mahlobo said.

He added that collaboration between institutions was critical to improving water service delivery.

“Effective collaboration across all spheres of government is essential to accelerate solutions, strengthen accountability, and ensure sustainable improvements in water service delivery.”

Authorities said several factors have contributed to the ongoing shortages, including ageing infrastructure, illegal water connections, population growth, and power interruptions that affect water pumping and treatment facilities.

However, oversight research suggests deeper governance challenges have also played a role.

A report by the South African Human Rights Commission found that about 1.4 million people in Limpopo lack access to piped water, highlighting persistent infrastructure and service delivery challenges across the province.

The investigation found that several municipalities responsible for supplying water were failing to meet the requirements of the Water Services Act, citing poor planning, limited technical capacity, and weak oversight.

Immediate interventions in Polokwane are focused on improving monitoring and operational coordination. Leak detection programmes, pressure management, and infrastructure inspections are being intensified to reduce water losses across the system.

Infrastructure upgrades are also planned as part of longer-term efforts to improve water security. Among these is the Olifantspoort/Ebenezer upgrade project, which is expected to deliver 65 million litres of water per day by 2026.

The government estimates the broader infrastructure programme could provide potable water to more than 390,000 people while supporting economic growth and job creation in the region.

Meanwhile, Lepelle Northern Water said engineers and technical specialists continue to work on stabilising the system.

“The acknowledgement reflects the commitment, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by engineers, planners and technical specialists who continue to work tirelessly to stabilise the water supply situation in the City of Polokwane,” the entity said.

Residents are also being encouraged to help reduce pressure on the system while infrastructure upgrades are implemented.

“Fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and mindful consumption will help relieve pressure on the system,” Ramathuba said.

For communities in Polokwane, the success of these measures will ultimately be measured by whether taps run reliably and whether long-standing inequalities in water access are finally addressed. – news@mukurukuru.co.za