With the Kremetart Cycle Race now a thing of the past, taps in Makhado have run dry again.

Prior to the Kremetart weekend, the local and district municipalities promised that there would be a continuous water supply for visitors and residents for the whole of the weekend, which they managed to achieve. Within a week after the race, the water supply dried up again.

As to the reason for the most recent water interruptions, the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM) announced on Saturday that “there will be a shortage of water on the western side of town, and Tshikota as from Saturday … until Wednesday, 20 June.” The notification further explained that the water interruption was due to “the sealing of the railway water reservoir.”

By Monday it was, however, clear that not only the aforementioned parts of Makhado were affected. Numerous residents from all over town complained that they were left waterless.

The spokesperson for the VDM, Mr Ralushai Matodzi, was approached for comment on Monday. On Tuesday morning he confirmed telephonically that the municipality was struggling to supply water, due to various maintenance programmes that are currently being carried out by their technicians. He promised a more detailed update.

At noon on Tuesday the newspaper received an SMS that read: “Pumping of water in progress to ensure that areas without water have it while tankering will be assisting. You will get a call for further updates [Sic].” At the time of going to press, no “further updates” had been forthcoming.

In the meantime, Matodzi can be contacted to request the services of municipal water tankers. He can be phoned on 015 960 2012 or 072 3919 986.