EFF lodges complaints over Bronkhorstspruit water contamination

The EFF has taken its criticism of Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya a step further by asking two oversight bodies to look into the water contamination in Bronkhorstspruit and nearby communities, IOL reported.

EFF treasurer-general and MP Omphile Maotwe handed the complaints to the Public Protector’s office and the human rights commission (SAHRC) on Wednesday. The party wants them to examine alleged maladministration and improper conduct, as well as possible criminal negligence, connected to the breakdown at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works.

What happened

Between 7 and 18 October, 408 people fell ill with stomach-related sicknesses, and most of the patients were under four. A joint statement from national and provincial health authorities and the City of Tshwane said test results pointed to contaminated water from the plant as the probable cause.

The city had trouble with its chlorine supplier, and water left the plant without chlorination from 24 September to 14 October. The Department of Water and Sanitation also found that the municipality did not tell residents the water was unsafe for household use.

The plant draws from the Bronkhorstspruit River. Investigators found the river was polluted by sewage from a malfunctioning wastewater works in Victor Khanye Municipality and from faulty sewage pump stations run by Tshwane. Tests on 14 October found very high readings of E. coli and coliforms at the plant and at the Ekandustria and Zithobeni reservoirs. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases found norovirus, Campylobacter and Shigella in three of four patient stool samples, and no cholera.

What the EFF is demanding

• A full account from the city manager of the decisions and chemical purchasing that led to the crisis
• Independent testing to show when tap water will be safe to drink
• Free tanker water until the supply is declared safe
• Compensation for households for medical costs and other losses
• Disciplinary action against responsible officials, reported to the city council
• Backup plans for treatment chemicals at all municipal facilities
• Referral to the National Prosecuting Authority if criminal conduct is found

The party says the failure to issue health warnings over 21 days breached national standards for water services.

What residents should do

The city closed the plant on 14 October, and chlorine supplies were restored the next day. The plant began supplying the network again on 16 October, but residents were told the water was still not safe to drink. Tankers are bringing in water from the Cullinan Water Treatment Works, and the Water Research Commission has been appointed to run independent tests and probe the causes.

People in the affected areas, which include Sokhulumi, Rethabiseng, Dark City, Zithobeni and Bronkhorstspruit in Region 7, should not drink the tap water. They should also avoid using it for bathing, brushing teeth, washing food or clothes, or cooking. It may be used only to flush toilets.

The city advises throwing away previously stored water and disinfecting containers with household bleach. Tanker water should be kept in clean, covered containers. Anyone with diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, weakness or dehydration should seek medical help quickly and report suspected cases to a local clinic or health authority.

The city has said it will investigate the chlorine supply interruption and the failure to warn residents in good time, and that disciplinary action is possible if negligence or misconduct is established.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.