Brits - All three pumps supplying water to Mothutlung near Brits in North West have been fixed, Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa said on Friday.
“I have just received a report that the last pump has been installed,” she told reporters at a memorial service in the township.
The service was for three men killed during protests by residents about water shortages.
Molewa said it would take some time before water operations were at optimal level and the reservoirs were filled.
“We will not rest until we know what caused this and who was responsible,” she said.
Some residents have suggested that the water pumps were sabotaged by parties seeking to make money from supplying water in tanks to residents.
Molewa urged locals to work with the government and show tolerance to one another as they tried to find solutions.
Feelings ran high during the memorial service, and a water bottle was thrown at Madibeng mayoral committee member Douglas Maimane.
He was sitting on stage alongside Water Affairs Minister Edna
Molewa when the bottle hit him in the face, causing his mouth to bleed. Maimane was helped out of the hall.
Mineworker Osia Rahube and photographer Michael Tshele were shot dead on Monday, allegedly by the police. On Tuesday, Lerato Seema died, apparently after falling from a moving police Nyala. Police said he was trying to escape from custody.
Protesters claimed they had been without water for at least three months.
On Wednesday, Molewa promised residents of Mothutlung that the water supply would be completely restored by Friday.
Sapa