The recent cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal has reached a critical point, prompting Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brinks to declare it a national emergency demanding immediate attention. The dysfunctional water treatment plant in the area has been a long-standing issue, contributing to the deadly outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 15 individuals.
Mayor Brinks emphasized the need to address this crisis not only as a health emergency but also as a humanitarian and human rights concern.
For over a decade, Hammanskraal has been grappling with a severe water-related health emergency. The inadequate wastewater treatment infrastructure has exacerbated the situation, leading to the rapid spread of cholera within the community and potentially impacting neighboring areas.
Recognizing the limitations of the City of Tshwane in resolving this crisis independently, Mayor Brinks stressed the urgency of collaborating with the Department of Water Affairs and private partners to secure the necessary resources for immediate upgrades. Addressing the issue over an extended period would be insufficient to contain the outbreak.
The government is now in a race against time to identify the source of the cholera outbreak. While the majority of cases and fatalities have been concentrated in Hammanskraal, tests conducted on the Tembisa water purification plant, which supplies water to the area, have come back negative for the presence of the bacteria.
Similarly, 19 other bulk water supply sites, including reservoirs, schools, and hydrants, have shown no signs of cholera. Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, stressed the importance of locating the origin of the disease to prevent its further spread within the city and beyond. Efforts will also be made to address health and hygiene issues in communities affected by the outbreak, including the examination of static tanks and the implementation of appropriate measures.