Public protector investigates Tshwane over Bronkhorstspruit water crisis

The public protector (PP) has launched an investigation into allegations of maladministration, improper conduct and prejudice against the City of Tshwane in relation to the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit.

The investigation follows complaints lodged with the PP on Wednesday by EFF treasurer-general and MP Omphile Maotwe and FF Plus regional leader Willie Spies.

According to the PP, Maotwe alleged in her complaint that the city failed to chlorinate water supplied to residents by the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant between September 24 and October 14.

The city also allegedly failed to warn residents that the water was unsafe for consumption during this period, resulting in 408 people, most of them children under the age of four, falling ill. Maotwe further alleged that the city ran out of chlorine due to difficulties experienced with its chlorine supplier.

The PP said Spies called on the PP to investigate alleged maladministration and improper conduct by the city, including the alleged failure to escalate critical information to senior management, inadequate oversight at the water treatment plant and the failure to warn residents about the safety of the water.

Between October 7 and 18, 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded after residents were exposed to unchlorinated water from the water treatment works.

Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya publicly admitted that the city did not communicate with the residents adequately.

PP spokesperson Oupa Segalwe said after the complaint an investigation team visited the Bronkhorstspruit water treatment plant to verify the allegations and establish what interim measures had been put in place to protect residents from unsafe water.

“The investigation team was informed that the plant had been decommissioned as an interim measure to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of the entire water system. The team was also advised that water tankers would be deployed to supply water to the affected community.”

Segalwe said the PP will approach the city manager for a formal response to the allegations.

The PP will also work with the Bronkhorstspruit community to monitor the implementation of the city’s interim water provision measures.