WATER OUTAGE HALTS NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY’S ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Written by Bahle Mabanga on April 8, 2024
Written by: Lebohang Ndashe
The North West University (NWU)’s Potchefstroom campus has paused its academic activities following the water crisis in the JB Marks Municipality’s and surrounding areas. There has been a slight improvement at some points however, it’s not enough to ensure that reservoirs on campus can fill up and thus ensure the necessary water pressure in academic buildings and residences.
Due to the current usage on campus – which is seriously deteriorating in residences. In an effort to meet all occupational health requirements, and in line with our ethic of care. The institution has since put preventative measures in place.
In a recently released statement, NWU confirmed that all contact or face-to-face classes are suspended for at least the rest of the week, and students are requested to make study material available on eFundi. Students who have the means to go home and continue with their participation in the academic programme online are requested to do so urgently.
All staff members at Campus – essential service workers, should work from home until the water crisis has been resolved. Staff who need to be on campus are requested to only make use of bathroom facilities on the ground floors of the respective buildings to ensure continued proper hygiene services.
All graduation ceremonies scheduled for the upcoming week will continue as arranged. The Varsity Cup match scheduled for 8 April will continue as all necessary contingency measures have been put in place.
All measures implemented to ensure provision of water for drinking purposes as well as for hygienic use to students will be maintained and expanded if necessary. Arrangements have also been made to assist students residing in off-campus residences to collect water from Cachet Park.
Faculties with specific requirements pertaining to programmes that require students to remain on campus, will communicate this information to affected students via eFundi. Any enquiries in this regard can be directed to the relevant Executive Dean’s office.
Should the situation improve earlier than anticipated, changes in arrangements will be communicated expeditiously.
Photo Credit: studies.nwu.ac.za