RESIDENTS without water have learnt the hard way that a 100percent full dam does not mean immediate relief to them since poor planning might hinder the process.

Hopes were high when the government announced that Nandoni Dam was expected to alleviate the water crisis in the province.

But it appears poor planning has affected the supply of water to the destined areas.

The multi-million rand dam has experienced technical problems and the authorities say the supply will going to be delayed for more than four months before delivering water.

The water supply is being affected by leakages on the pipelines supplying the small-holder dams.

Water authority chief director in the province Alson Matukane confirms that the dam is faced with technical difficulties and that they have started with investigations to establish where the exact problem lies.

Matukane says they have commissioned a study of the problems to determine whether it is the pipes that are faulty.

The dam is set to relieve the adversely affected Mopani area with water as soon as the technical problems are resolved.

It is projected to start supplying water next year.