Clean water still out of reach for Tshwane residents after contamination crisis
Residents in Tshwane's Region 7 remain fearful of using tap water as the number of reported gastrointestinal illness cases linked to the contamination crisis rises to 833, with three people still in hospital.
Tshwane residents continue to struggle with unsafe water supplies following a contamination crisis that has affected 833 people, primarily young children. The outbreak, linked to inadequate water tanker deliveries and poor chlorination practices, has sparked concerns over municipal oversight and the city's ability to provide clean drinking water. The Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works, initially identified as a major contributor, has now been suspended pending an investigation.
City officials, including Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, have emphasized ongoing efforts to restore safe water supplies, with progress made in commissioning the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant and increasing access to clean water in Hammanskraal. However, challenges remain, including complications at Fountains that have delayed the restoration of groundwater supply to Findlay Reservoir.
The city has also expanded water deliveries to informal settlements in Region 7 and introduced measures to regulate private water tanker operators supporting emergency water distribution.
President Cyril Ramaphosa criticized the incident, calling it a "complete dereliction of the work and the duties that the municipality of Tshwane was supposed to be executing." The city has lifted a boil-water advisory for Pretoria's central business district after confirming the water's safety for consumption.
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