South African minister disputes outbreak despite 833 sick in Bronkhorstspruit
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Daily Maverick
South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, refuses to describe illnesses caused by contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit as an outbreak, despite 833 people receiving treatment. She defended the position during a hospital visit on 26 October, saying no serious cases or deaths had been reported, Daily Maverick reports.
South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, disputes describing illnesses linked to contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit as an outbreak, despite 833 people having seen a doctor. She said on Monday 26 October that there had been no deaths or critical cases, according to Daily Maverick.
Three patients remained in hospital after becoming dehydrated, but none had stayed there for more than three days, Pemmy Majodina said during a visit to Bronkhorstspruit District Hospital with Deputy President Paul Mashatile. About 40% of those affected are aged four or under.
Residents fell ill after consuming water from the Bronkhorstspruit treatment plant, which had not used chlorine to treat E. coli bacteria for several weeks because of difficulties linked to a tender. Thirty-six water tankers are temporarily supplying residents with drinking water. Majodina estimated that this measure should not last more than two or three months, while the authorities have not set a date for the return of safe tap water.
