This is according to the national Water and Sanitation Department. The Department says this is also the cause of leakages and water loss experienced by many municipalities. The statement comes just days after OFM News reported on how Kimberley residents in the Northern Cape had to brace themselves for water supply interruptions, due to emergency repairs by the Sol Plaatje Municipality.

Residents in Kimberley last week had to do without running water after the Sol Plaatje Municipality confirmed that there was a planned water supply interruption to enable emergency repairs to water infrastructure on the mainline from reservoir.

Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, in a statement said the water supply interruption would affect the entire city from Thursday until Saturday, but due to unforeseen water pipe burst repairs span beyond the timeframe set by the municipality.

He explained dam levels at the Newton Reservoir were dropping due to leakages, hence the repairs were necessary.

Meanwhile, the office of Minister Lindiwe Sisulu is urging municipalities to look after their water infrastructure and ensure all key infrastructure projects reach completion.

OFM News