Limpopo dam levels cause concern

>> Ebenezer Dam at 22%, Tzaneen Dam at 5,7% >> City faced water shortages earlier this week

While some dams in the province exceed their capacity after recent rains, others are still at alarmingly low levels with Day Zero looming and posing a threat for the agricultural sustainability of both commercial and subsistence farmers.

According to figures released by the Department of Water and Sanitation on Monday, the levels of the Tzaneen, Doorndraai and Middle-Letaba dams are at 5,7%, 10,3% and 2,4% respectively, while Ebenezer Dam that provides the city with water is at 22,8%. The city’s other source of water, the Dap Naudé Dam is at 86,7%.

The levels of the Flag Boshielo, Hans Merensky and Magoebaskloof dams are at 105,4%, 103,5% and 101,1% respectively.

After facing water challenges over the weekend and Monday, consumers in the city suffered further shortages and low pressure on Tuesday after a leakage on the Ebenezer supply line. Spokesperson for Polokwane Municipality, Thipa Selala said in a media release on Tuesday that Lepelle Northern Water (LNW) had stopped supply from the line to effect repairs that may take three to four hours resulting in supply take some time to reach all areas. No reports of shortages were received by Wednesday.

“The stoppage comes at the time when municipal water sources are under strain. Over the weekend, boreholes in the Sand River were down due to flooding caused by heavy winds and rains. LNW has also not been consistent with supply during the past week,” Selala explained.