Ramaphosa condemns Tshwane water crisis as gastrointestinal illness cases rise to 833
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the City of Tshwane’s handling of the Bronkhorstspruit water contamination crisis as “unacceptable”, as the number of reported gastrointestinal illness cases linked to the contaminated water has risen to 833.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit as an unacceptable dereliction of municipal duty, as the number of reported gastrointestinal illness cases reached 833. Ramaphosa blamed failures at municipal level, stating the contamination exposed weaknesses in the City of Tshwane's water operations.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina confirmed the latest figures during a media briefing, revealing that three residents remain hospitalized. The crisis, linked to inadequately chlorinated water from the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works, has left residents reliant on water tankers. The City of Tshwane has lifted a boil-water advisory for Pretoria's central business district, but the Bronkhorstspruit crisis has reignited concerns about water quality and municipal oversight.
Ramaphosa highlighted the government's preparations for the potential effects of El Niño, emphasizing the need for water scarcity preparedness. He also established a national water crisis committee due to increasing concerns over water security, as water resources management falls largely within the municipalities' purview.
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