Millions Lost in Mpumalanga as Vandals Cripple Water Supply Infrastructure
Image Source: Moretele Local Municipality says due to water shortage in the area they resorted to providing this community with water tankers.
Published by Eveerything ZA News
KaNyamazane, Mpumalanga – Residents of KaNyamazane and Karino in Mpumalanga face an uncertain water future after unknown individuals vandalized a critical electricity pylon worth R28 million. This infrastructure played a vital role in ensuring consistent water supply during the ongoing rolling blackouts.
The pylon supplied power to water treatment plants in both towns. Eskom and the City of Mbombela had reached an agreement to exempt this specific infrastructure from load shedding, prioritizing the water needs of the communities.
Expressing her disappointment, Mbombela Mayor Sibongile Makhushe-Mazibuko highlighted the efforts made to secure water access during power outages. “We specifically requested a dedicated line to avoid disruptions to the pumping system,” she explained. “This project was nearing completion, but due to repeated vandalism targeting pylons, we had to expedite its finalization.”
The Mayor revealed that the initial completion target of December 2023 was pushed forward to February 2024 due to prior vandalism incidents. However, the recent attack has thrown a wrench into these plans and threatens water security in the affected areas.
The extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs remain unclear. Local authorities are yet to comment on the potential impact on water rationing or planned outages. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences of infrastructure vandalism, not only for electricity supply but also for essential services like clean water access.
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