"Let us assume responsibility and protect our water resources and avoid any form of vandalism. Let us join hands and fight Covid-19 and use these allocated resources wisely. While we wash our hands, let us remember that South Africa is a water-scarce country and [do] not [have] wastewater at our disposal," she said, calling on community members to guard water infrastructure delivered to their respective areas.

Sisulu, who also heads the department of human settlements, has issued a directive to the department and all its water entities to urgently dispatch water tanks and tankers to rural communities and informal settlements.

This was to ensure that even the most vulnerable in society were not found wanting and were able to practise appropriate hygiene, such as regular handwashing with soap and water, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. 

As part of the roll-out of water tanks and tankers to various districts in the province, Xhariep received 34 tanks with a capacity of 5 000 litres.

A total of 96 water tanks and seven water tankers were delivered to Lejweleputswa.

Fezile-Dabi received 152 water tanks and 19 water tankers, while Thabo Mofutsanyane was allocated 495 water tanks.

The coronavirus has claimed 11 lives in South Africa, with 1 655 confirmed cases being recorded, according to the latest government statistics. 

The virus was first reported in Wuhan, China, during December 2019, and has since spread to other parts of the world. 

Over 1,2 million people have been infected by respiratory disease globally, and over 70 000 have died.

African News Agency (ANA)