Tshwane cracks down on private water tankers amid crisis

City of Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya has urged private water tanker operators to obtain municipal verification to ensure safety standards, as the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis has left 833 residents with gastrointestinal illnesses due to untreated water.

The City of Tshwane mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya, has urged private water tanker operators who want to help communities affected by the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis to obtain municipal verification. 

The announcement was made on Monday as parts of Tshwane continue to face unsafe drinking water conditions. 

Residents in Region 7 in Bronkhorstspruit have been dealing with gastrointestinal illnesses after the city failed to procure chlorine to treat water at the Bronkhorstspruit Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Moya said the city welcomes support from private-sector partners helping affected residents, but independent operators must meet the same water-quality and safety standards as municipal tankers and contracted service providers. 

Independent water tanker operators are expected to present themselves and their vehicles at the Commando Building, at the corner of Lanham and Commando streets in Bronkhorstspruit, for authorisation and water-quality testing. 

Moya said the testing was intended to ensure consistent standards and to protect residents. 

The request for privately-owned water tanker companies to obtain verification follows the mayor's accusation that water tanker drivers have been deviating from the set water delivery schedule for residents. 

The City had received complaints that some water tankers did not reach communities. As a result, Moya instructed Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) officers to accompany water tankers to ensure they stick to the approved routes.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina confirmed in a press briefing on Monday that the number of gastrointestinal illness cases linked to the Bronkhorstspruit issue has increased to 833. 

Majodina said gastrointestinal illnesses are not fatal and most people who are hospitalised remain in hospital for at least two days, emphasising that there was no outbreak to be concerned about. Only three patients are currently hospitalised for stomach illnesses related to the contaminated water. 

During the press briefing, Majodina also raised concerns that some residents are now receiving water from private tankers and the government has no idea where that water is being treated.