The moratorium was put in place because the municipality had insufficient bulk water infrastructure to support the demand from developers.This is the highest grading level for municipalities and has previously been reserved for metros.
Grade six municipalities must have an annual income of over R2.3 billion and a population exceeding 681,000. The ANC's regional spokesperson, Adolph Rapetswa, said for the municipality to keep its grading, it has to ensure it increases its revenue base. “We needed to uplift the moratorium to be consistent with the developmental needs of Polokwane. We have put conditions to say those who are willing to invest in the development of Polokwane should be providing conditions where they will be sourcing water and other bulk services.”
The Democratic Alliance in Polokwane said the municipality has not built enough bulk water infrastructure to justify lifting the moratorium.