Tshwane Mayor suspends Bronkhorstspruit water plant manager as independent probe launched
Tshwane has suspended the Bronkhorstspruit water plant manager pending an independent investigation into chlorine-supply problems and alleged failures to escalate risks and warn residents.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has declared a recent gastrointestinal illness outbreak in Bronkhorstspruit as a serious breach of fundamental human rights. The commission blames municipalities and water services authorities for the failure to deliver sufficient water and sanitation services. In response to the outbreak, which affected over 400 individuals, the City of Tshwane has transferred the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant to Rand Water, a bulk water utility.
SAHRC Commissioner Dr. Henk Boshoff attributes the crisis to years of neglect and mismanagement by municipalities and water services authorities. He points out that most municipalities have neglected infrastructure maintenance, and when problems arise, they attribute them to the infrastructure itself. Municipalities and water services authorities have, over time, spent or misallocated funds intended for essential infrastructure maintenance, diverting them to less critical matters.
Residents have warmly received the decision to transfer the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant to Rand Water and are now calling for immediate alternative water supplies. They express their inability to afford bottled water.
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