DA in Polokwane votes against lifting of land development moratorium amidst water crisis in the city

POLOKWANE water crisis and land development was again high on the agenda of the council meeting this week.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Wednesday voted against the lifting of the moratorium on land development, arguing that bulk water supply crisis should first be adequately addressed. The moratorium has been in place since 2017.

Caucus leader, Johan Retters, said the party supported development in the City of Polokwane, but “not at the expense of the residents currently suffering due to water supply deficit and water shedding”.

“For development to be sustainable there should be adequate water supply.

“The City should focus on developing current water infrastructure, implement measures to reduce the 36% water losses as well as adequate monitor and replace the thousands of dysfunctional water meters,” Retters said.

He blasted the municipality for missing targets on water projects, citing example of the Sandriver North Project which has been extended by five months.

He said the party’s proposal to bring the matter back to council once existing water projects were completed after July 2025 was overruled by the ANC.

However, executive mayor, John Mpe, told the media on Wednesday that efforts to address the water challenges and creation of jobs should not be separated. He did not believe that development should be halted in the city.