Rumours that residents with emergency water tanks will be fined was refuted by both the Makhado Municipality and the Soutpansberg Rate Payers Association (SRPA) this week.

The rumour that the municipality took a decision to fine residents who fill their emergency water tanks with municipal water, spread like wild fire throughout Makhado (Louis Trichardt). 

Residents’ minds were put at ease by the municipal manager, Mr Sakkie Mutshunyali, this week. He said that the municipality had no such plans. He was, however, unwilling to comment on whether the municipality was considering instituting fines in the future.

The SRPA was also asked whether they were aware of the rumour, with SRPA chairperson Mr Phillip Olivier indicating that they had no knowledge of it. He added that, as far as he knew, residents were still free to install water tanks on their property, provided that it was not on or before the municipal meter or pipe connection.

Residents’ fears regarding possible fines for filling their water tanks are not unfounded. During a public meeting regarding the town’s continued water problems, the municipality’s director of technical services, Mr Thivo Ralulimi, blamed residents who fill their water tanks with municipal water for contributing to the town’s water crisis.