The Department of Water and Sanitation has detected cholera bacteria in the Vaal and Harts Rivers, affecting the Northwest and Northern Cape provinces. Freedom Front Plus attributes this finding to municipalities’ failure to maintain sewage treatment plants.

On Wednesday, (9/10), Department spokesperson Wisani Mabasa stated, “During routine raw water sampling in September, samples from five sites—Wentzel Dam, Schweizer Reneke, Christiana, Barkley West Caravan Park, and Douglas Weir—indicated the presence of cholera.

“Communities are advised not to drink or come into contact with the raw water from the rivers.”

According to Infrastructure News, communities in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mopati, Francis Baard, and Pixley ka Seme District Municipalities, along with the local water service authorities, have been urged to exercise heightened care in the water treatment process, including disinfection and chlorination. Chlorination is effective in mitigating the risk of cholera.

The Naledi, Greater Taung, Lekwa Teemane, Magareng, Dikgatlong, Sol Plaatje, Siyacuma, and Phokwane Municipalities are actively treating water from the rivers to ensure its safety for consumption. Water is regularly tested to ensure it meets safety standards, and any water that does not comply is withheld from public use.

Freedom Front Plus also noted that the Human Rights Commission (HRC) is currently investigating several municipalities in the Northern Cape. They highlighted that a shortage of qualified personnel significantly contributes to the dysfunctionality of sewage treatment plants. 

OFM News/Rethabile Monyane mvh