In a statement issued on Monday, DWS said a further 391 tanks were expected to be delivered this week. 

A total of 659 tanks were initially identified but demand had increased, said the department. 

A total of 76 tanker trucks are needed in the province, with only two delivered as yet. A further 50 tanker trucks are in transit and are expected to arrive this week for distribution to various municipalities.  

The department said it had also allocated 500 litres of liquid hand-washing soap to the province to ensure that residents were able to wash and sanitise their hands regularly, one of the methods of keeping infected droplets from their faces.  

Minister Lindiwe Sisulu directed the department to increase the provision of water and sanitation in high-density public areas and informal settlements to combat the virus. 

According to DWS's acting provincial head, Kobus Streuders, more than 100 settlements in various municipalities had already been identified as hotspots, namely Phokwane, Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Magareng, Thembelihle, Kareeberg, Siyancuma, Umsobomvu, Emthanjeni, Siyathemba, Renosterberg, Gamagara, Kai!Garib, Joe Morolong, Ga Segonyana, Tsantsabane, Dawid Kruiper, !Kheis and Kamiesberg.

Areas deemed hotspots were those with no or scarce water supply and densely populated areas, among others.  

African News Agency