More than 800 fall ill after contaminated water distributed in Tshwane
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Scrolla
More than 800 people reportedly contracted gastroenteritis after contaminated water was distributed in Tshwane, where treatment problems allegedly persisted despite several official warnings. South African Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo says an investigation into alleged professional negligence has been opened, while Johannesburg is also facing water shortages, Scrolla reports.
More than 800 people reportedly contracted gastroenteritis after consuming contaminated water in Tshwane, South Africa. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo said the municipality had received several warnings about its water safety, Scrolla reports.
The first alerts date back to 2023, after problems were found at the city’s treatment plants. The municipality presented a corrective plan, but some failures reportedly remained unresolved. Between 24 September and 14 October, Tshwane allegedly did not carry out basic chemical treatment on water drawn from polluted sources; this water is said to have entered the network. The Department of Water and Sanitation has opened an investigation into alleged professional negligence.
Residents of Johannesburg are meanwhile experiencing cuts and low pressure in several neighbourhoods. Mayor Dada Morero attributed the problems to supplies from Rand Water and asked residents to limit watering gardens and washing cars. However, he rejected the idea that the city was in a crisis.
In Tshwane, the number of people who fell ill rose from at least 408, reported on 20 October, to more than 800. Municipal authorities had also faced criticism over earlier warnings about contaminated water, while the toll in Bronkhorstspruit had reached 833 cases on 26 October.
