By Thabo Monyela
The University of Limpopo is yet again hit by a water shortage, while students are busy with first-semester exams.
The interruption is said to be caused by the ongoing maintenance at Lepelle Northern Water, Tzaneen station, which is the institution’s main supply station.
Should the maintenance continue for longer, it’s likely to inadvertently affect the examination proceedings.
In a media statement released on Thursday, 5, UL Vice Chancellor Professor Mahlo Mokgalong said the institution’s reservoirs are unable to cope as the pressure of water given to them is not enough to fill the tanks.
“The University has been experiencing a shortage of water in the recent past including the current period. This is indeed affecting us all negatively as water is one of the most important resources of life.
“We were reliably informed that this is caused by ongoing maintenance at Lepelle Northern Water, Tzaneen station, which is our main supply station. Unfortunately, our reservoirs are unable to cope as the pressure of water given to us is not enough to fill the tanks, “ he said.
The UL VC further said they are currently engaging with the mandarins of both Lepelle Northern Waters and Polokwane Municipality to resolve this.
The water crisis is said to have affected the whole of Mankweng and some parts of Polokwane town.
Late in 2024, the University had to postpone second semester exams due to prolonged water crisis, that prompted EFF students command led- SRC to embark on a protest to the Polokwane Municipal offices.
Following the students’ march over water scarcity, both the University of Limpopo and the Polokwane Municipality engaged in a public spat.
