After conducting water tests in several towns in the Free State, the civil rights organisation, AfriForum, confirmed that the water results in Thabong, where the Mostert Canal begins and runs into a furrow that empties into the Witpan, tested positive for cholera. 

The tests were also carried out on drinking water to confirm whether the water is safe for human consumption. In a statement, the municipality said it was aware of the cholera outbreak reports in Welkom and has contacted the Department of Water and Sanitation to verify the tests' accuracy. 

Municipal spokesperson, Tsediso Tlali, said the Matjhabeng Water Department has also been assigned to conduct further tests to ascertain the reports. He urged the community to remain calm and follow the preventive measures while the municipality continues to seek accurate information from official channels.

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“As a precautionary measure, the municipality advises all members of the community to boil water before consumption and ensure its safe storage and usage. Maintaining personal hygiene by regularly cleaning food preparation areas and washing hands with soap in safe water before, during, and after handling food is also important. Additionally, proper handwashing is appropriate after using the toilet,” pleaded Tlali.

A few days before the water tested positive for cholera, a video depicting what looks like a mudslide coming from a tap of one of the residents from Thabong, trended on social media platforms. The municipality said they are investigating the issue.

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Tlali explained that while the municipality is trying to gather information and confirmations about the cholera outbreak, they will continue to update residents through their website, social media platforms, and media outlets.

OFM News