Deputy President Paul Mashatile will visit Bronkhorstspruit in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, on Monday, following reports of gastrointestinal illness linked to contaminated water in the area.
The visit forms part of the work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Water and Sanitation, chaired by the Deputy President. The committee coordinates government interventions to address water and sanitation challenges, strengthen accountability and accelerate responses to service delivery concerns affecting communities.
“During the visit, the Deputy President will visit the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works (BWTW) to assess the situation, receive an update on the condition of the water treatment infrastructure and engage with relevant authorities on measures being implemented to restore the safety and reliability of the water supply,” the Presidency said.
The Deputy President will also visit hospitalised patients following reports of gastrointestinal illness associated with the consumption of contaminated water.
Approximately 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were reported in the Bronkhorstspruit area after residents consumed water suspected of being contaminated and linked to the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.
“The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of the water supply and the potential health risks to communities The engagement will provide an opportunity to receive updates on the condition of affected residents and the healthcare response,” the Presidency said.
The City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has led the response, including interventions to address water quality concerns, assess the affected infrastructure and implement measures to safeguard public health and restore the supply of safe water to affected residents.
During the visit, the Deputy President will assess progress in addressing the crisis and engage with the City of Tshwane and relevant government departments to reinforce the importance of coordinated action, effective oversight and accountability in ensuring access to safe and reliable water.
Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina; Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo; Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi; Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, Jacob Mamabolo; and Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, Dr Nasiphi Moya, along with other relevant government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.
