The metro’s decision to do this comes after increasing positive cases of cholera in the Free State as well. Thus far, the cholera death toll in the province stands at one, while there have been at least eight positive cases in the province. 

The Acting Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, said residents must not be alarmed as there is no confirmed positive case within the municipality and the water supplied to Mangaung residents is in line with national standards. “The community of Mangaung must not be alarmed as there is no positive case, however, we strongly advise that they follow the health guidelines made available by the Department of Health.”

The spokesperson for the Department of Health, Mondli Mvambi, stated that there is no cholera outbreak in Mangaung. “Mangaung is on the alert like other districts and the situation is being monitored. Cholera is still limited to Ngwathe local municipality, in Vredefort and Parys.” 

The guidelines the department has made available to the public include boiling water and using a disinfectant; washing hands regularly with clean, treated water; cooking food thoroughly with treated water; and rinsing vegetables and fruit with treated water.

The opposition party’s David McKay has previously alleged that the municipality has six Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) out of the nine which are non-functional. “This dire situation allows untreated sewage to flow directly into streams and storm-water drains, causing sewage mainlines to collapse and turning roads into rivers of filth,” said McKay.

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Nthatisi explained that they are not oblivious to the fact that there are sewage spillages in the municipality and that the metro was not kept clean in the past, however, they are working on the issues. When it comes to the WWTW, he says a number of contractors have been appointed to treat them. “Our staff is committed to being on guard to ensure that our WWTW and the water remains in line with the national standards.”

The metro’s spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, previously stated the metro also has a regular maintenance programme which focuses on cleaning reservoirs to ensure that water is of high quality and safe for human consumption. Recently, routine maintenance was conducted on De Hoek/Uitkyk, Dan Pienaar Tower, Old and New Arboretum reservoirs and Tabali/Motlatla trajectories.

“In incidents when the city has to use water tankers during supply interruptions, the water is abstracted from specific points to guarantee that it is safe for human consumption. In addition, internal water tankers are used without an external service provider to minimise the risk,” added Khedama.

OFM News