Cistern with holes

[rpm]

Went to a leaking Saniflo today and found the leak from was from the concealed cistern above, local plumber had recently fitted new side entry valve and the water was spraying out sideways rather than going downwards but I noticed the cistern has two 40mm holes in the front face hence the leak so my question is whats that all about?

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Is it an old cistern?
one is probably for a paddle style handle and the other is a spare incase you want the handle on the other side? Normally filled with a plug with the makers name one.

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

Was it mint green in colour or aubergine?

 

[rpm]

It was White with 2 screws holding the lid on and yes it was an old one, your thinking on the flush handle would work for one hole but they were both at one end. I told him to get the plumber back for a new cistern but it left me puzzled.

 

[Irish]

the holes might have been for the spindle of a lever flush handle