DEPUTY President Paul Mashatile visited Bronkhorstspruit, today.
He also made a courtesy visit to residents who have been hospitalised, following the outbreak of gastrointestinal illness, that was linked to contaminated drinking water supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant.
This resulted in not more than 400 cases been reported, with the City of Tshwane accused of failing to chlorinate the water properly.
In response, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya confirmed that the plant manager had been suspended while investigations continue to establish what went wrong and identify those responsible.
The Deputy President’s visit was part of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation, chaired by Mashatile, which co-ordinates government interventions to address water challenges.
During his address to media, DP said they’re working hard to deal with this unfortunate incident, in working with Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, and are engaging with relevant authorities such as Rand Water to restore safe and reliable water supply.
Without divulging on time frames, he said Rand Water is busy attending to the matter, as a matter of urgency.
He also lamented tankers who provide water, asking who their supplier is, and what is the rationale, amongst others.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of the city’s water management, following deaths of people in Hammanskraal in 2023 after consuming contaminated water.
Mashatile himself, just got back from sick leave.
Image provided (Dep Pres Paul Mashatile visited Bronkhorstspruit and the hospitalised following water contamination.)
