Tshwane deploys additional water tankers after 408 fall ill from contaminated water

Bronkhorstspruit residents are advised not to consume, cook with, or bathe in tap water while the City of Tshwane investigates the water supply disruptions. Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya disclosed that the City had initiated an investigation into the interruption of chlorine supplies and lack of timely resident warnings. She emphasized that the water from the impacted system remains unsafe for drinking, cooking, bathing, or any household use, and should only be utilized for flushing toilets until further notice.

Moya confirmed that 35 water tankers, comprising seven municipal vehicles and 28 service provider tankers, were currently supplying water to the affected communities, with a 36th tanker scheduled to arrive on Wednesday. Drinking water is being supplied from the Cullinan Water Treatment Works, with ongoing testing of filling points and tankers.

The City is conducting door-to-door public awareness campaigns and collaborating with ward councillors and committees to coordinate tanker distribution and ensure residents are aware of safe water access. Gastrointestinal illness cases have decreased from a peak of 72 on October 13 to 16 on October 18. Moya visited Dark City Clinic in Ekangala, where healthcare workers reported fewer patients with symptoms, but stressed that the priority remains preventing further illness and restoring safe drinking water.

The City is working with Rand Water and the national Department of Water and Sanitation to expedite repairs at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works. Moya assured that sufficient chlorine is now available for cleaning and ongoing treatment, but further work is needed before water from the plant can be declared safe for consumption.

She warned that the plant may be temporarily shut down for equipment installation. The City also initiated flushing and disinfecting of the affected network, with daily water-quality monitoring. Residents were barred from visiting the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant, with the City warning against unauthorized entry to prevent disruptions in urgent work.

The City's Chief Operations Officer was assigned to investigate procurement, operational, and management processes, while the City agreed to cooperate with an independent investigation by the Water Research Commission. Moya accepted political responsibility for the response, emphasizing that the City's actions should be measured not only by managing the crisis but also by preventing it from recurring.