South Africa’s Public Protector investigates Tshwane water crisis
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Sowetan
South Africa’s Public Protector is investigating the Tshwane municipality’s handling of untreated water that made 408 residents, mainly children under four, ill. The complaints concern the lack of a warning, plant oversight and a chlorine shortage, according to the watchdog.
South Africa’s Public Protector, known as the Public Protector, has opened an investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct involving the Tshwane municipality in connection with the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit. The proceedings follow complaints filed on Wednesday by Omphile Maotwe, the EFF opposition party’s treasurer-general and a member of parliament, and Willie Spies, a regional official of FF Plus, TimesLIVE reports.
Omphile Maotwe accuses the municipality of failing to chlorinate water distributed by the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant between 24 September and 14 October, and of failing to warn residents that it was unfit for consumption. Willie Spies, for his part, is calling for checks on the plant’s supervision and the transmission of critical information to the municipal leadership.
A team of investigators went to the plant to verify these allegations and the interim measures taken to protect residents. The plant was taken out of service to clean and disinfect the network, while water tankers are to supply the community, said Oupa Segalwe, a spokesperson for the Public Protector. The watchdog is also to request a formal response from the municipal manager and monitor the implementation of these measures with residents.
The investigation comes after water contamination left Ekangala without reliable access to drinking water, announced on 23 October. It also follows Tshwane’s promise of sanctions on 22 October.
