The latest disruption highlights growing concerns about service delivery in the municipality, particularly in Potchefstroom. Residents were informed maintenance work is scheduled to start on Monday (2/2), following a pipe burst behind Chubby Street along the N12 road last Tuesday (27/1).

Areas around the city centre are expected to experience a temporary interruption to the water supply as repairs are undertaken, said municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite. “At this stage, the municipality is not in a position to confirm the duration of the interruption, and an estimated time for the restoration of the water supply has not yet been determined.”

The municipality apologised for the inconvenience caused and appealed to residents to remain patient while the necessary maintenance is carried out. This incident forms part of a broader pattern of recurring water disruptions across the municipal area. 

A series of pump maintenance projects, previously reported on, were intended to stabilise the water supply. Still, ongoing delays and repeated breakdowns have raised questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of these interventions.

Frustration among residents continues to mount as water interruptions persist with little certainty around long-term solutions. Many residents have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as poor planning, inadequate maintenance, and a lack of accountability within the municipality.

These frustrations have also reignited calls for the separation of the merged former Tlokwe (Potchefstroom) and Ventersdorp local municipalities. Residents argue the amalgamation placed additional financial and administrative strain on service delivery, with some claiming that Tlokwe inherited Ventersdorp’s financial crisis.

In several instances, service delivery frustrations have escalated into violent protests, with residents taking to the streets to voice their anger and dissatisfaction with the ANC-led municipality.

Protesters cited a lack of basic services, ongoing financial constraints, and allegations of fraud and corruption as key drivers of their discontent.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh