GAUTENG. – The number of people who have contracted gastroenteritis from allegedly contaminated drinking water in Bronkhorstspruit has risen to 833. The water crisis has raised questions about Tshwane metro's water treatment, warnings to residents and the maintenance of water infrastructure.
Pemmy Majodina, the minister of water and sanitation, confirmed on Monday that the number of reported cases has risen from 408 to 833. Investigations found that water at the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant between 24 September and 14 October was not chlorinated due to problems with chlorine supply. Laboratory tests found high levels of E. coli and other coliform bacteria in water samples according to the government, while tests of stool samples detected norovirus, campylobacter and shigella.
The water treatment plant has been closed and Rand Water is leading the restoration work. The metro has suspended the plant's manager suspended pending further investigation. An independent investigation has been ordered to determine what led to the problems. Residents in areas served by the plant are warned not to drink tap water or use it for cooking, bathing, brushing teeth or laundry, even after boiling. Water may only be used to flush toilets. Drinking water is meanwhile being provided by water tankers Water safety warnings remain in force until the water is declared safe.
Nasiphi Moya, the executive mayor, says a water tanker with a capacity of 36,000 litres has been donated by Coca-Cola to help deliver water to residents of Bronkhorstspruit and surrounding areas. She welcomes the support of private sector stakeholders while the City of Tshwane and Rand Water make progress with restoring water supply through the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant. The tanker will be stationed at Bronkhorstspruit Hospital, Cultura High School and Riamar Park shopping centre.
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This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
