Bronkhorstspruit cases hit 833 as minister flags stored water
BRONKHORSTSPRUIT — Gastrointestinal illness cases linked to contaminated water have risen to 833, with Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina warning that some residents continued using stored water after the treatment plant closed. She said water distributed before the shutdown may also have contributed to the increase.
The figure, announced on 26 October, is more than double the previously reported 408 cases. No critical cases or deaths had been reported at the time of the briefing.
Repairs underway, but no reopening date
Rand Water is leading repairs and cleaning at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant. Four pumps have been installed, with work initially focused on restoring Phase 1.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said repairs would take several weeks but gave no firm completion date. Tshwane is supplying free drinking water through tankers while the plant remains closed.
Private water suppliers face checks
Tshwane is also tightening oversight of independent tanker operators. Mayor Nasiphi Moya said metro police had been instructed to check where private suppliers obtained their water and whether it had been tested.
Operators wishing to assist affected communities must obtain municipal verification and authorisation before distributing water, according to the city’s statement reported.
For residents, restoration depends on more than restarting the pumps: Majodina said water supplied when operations resume must be safe.
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