Chlorine supply restored, but Bronkhorstspruit water not yet safe to drink
City of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya says sufficient chlorine is now available for the cleaning of the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works and its ongoing treatment requirements.
More than 400 residents of Bronkhorstspruit, mostly children, caught “gastrointestinal illnesses” after drinking unchlorinated, unpurified and contaminated water supplied by their municipality.
The mayor also said the city has engaged Rand Water to bring its technical expertise and capacity to support the city in accelerating the rehabilitation and upgrading of the plant.
Moya said the water utility is already assisting with maintenance and assessing the interventions needed to restore the plant to the required standards.
“Our immediate priority is to restore access to clean, safe drinking water for affected communities while ensuring that the necessary upgrades provide a reliable and sustainable water supply into the future,” she said.
“Over the past 24 hours, we have continued working closely with Rand Water and the national department of water and sanitation to accelerate the rehabilitation of the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment works.”
Residents will be informed of any changes that may affect their water supply. Rand Water has also introduced strict access controls at the treatment works, restricting entry to authorised personnel to allow urgent technical work to proceed safely and without disruption
Moya confirmed that sufficient chlorine is now available for the cleaning of the plant and its ongoing treatment requirements. While this resolves the immediate supply interruption, she said work is necessary before water from the plant can be declared safe for consumption.
Rand Water’s technical teams are already working at the plant, undertaking maintenance and assessing the interventions required to restore it to the necessary standards, she said.
“Teams are working around the clock, with further water quality results expected to inform the next phase of interventions.”
According to Moya, the coming days will involve intensive technical work, which may require changes to plant operations, including a possible temporary shutdown to allow for equipment installation.
“Residents will be informed of any changes that may affect their water supply. Rand Water has also introduced strict access controls at the treatment works, restricting entry to authorised personnel to allow urgent technical work to proceed safely and without disruption.”
Flushing and disinfection of the affected distribution network are commencing, supported by daily water quality monitoring by the city, the department of water and sanitation and the Water Research Commission.
After her visit to Dark City Clinic in Ekangala, Region 7, on Tuesday, she said the latest reported figures show that new cases of gastrointestinal illness declined from a peak of 72 on October 13 to 16 on October 18. Health-care workers at Dark City Clinic have also reported fewer patients presenting with symptoms.
The city has 35 water tankers operating in affected communities, comprising seven municipal vehicles and 28 service provider vehicles. Moya said an additional tanker is expected on Wednesday, bringing the total to the planned 36.