Pretoria – The City of Tshwane has warned residents of Hammanskraal and surrounding areas not to buy water from unscrupulous dealers.
The City of Tshwane on Friday said, “It has received disturbing news from community members alleging that there are roaming water tankers selling water to residents in Hammanskraal”.
In a late Friday update on the cholera outbreak, the City said: “Communities are cautioned not to buy or drink water from these tankers as it is untested and not declared safe for drinking”.
The City said it provides drinkable water to its communities in formal and informal areas in Hammanskraal “free of charge”.
The water provided by the Citys authorised tankers has been declared safe for drinking after a series of tests conducted confirmed that it does not contain cholera.
“Officials from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) have been activated and will do a stop-and-search of any trucks transporting water without a valid permit,” the City said.
“Residents are urged to write down the registration numbers of the tankers selling water and report them immediately to the TMPD on 012 358 7095/6.”‘
This number is manned 24/7.
Authorities announced the outbreak of cholera last weekend in Hammanskraal and surrounding areas after stool results confirmed that people who presented themselves to health facilities in the area tested positive for cholera.
“At least 21 people have died of cholera to date,” the City said.
“The City wishes to reiterate its warning to residents not to use tap water for drinking purposes, but rather to use it for washing, cleaning, and flushing the toilets.
“The City provides potable (drinkable) water to its communities through its contracted service providers who carry a letter or permit authorising them to dispense water.
“Anyone caught selling untested water without a permit will be arrested and prosecuted.”
The City urged communities to be circumspect of unscrupulous people who are taking advantage of the water situation in Hammanskraal.
These unscrupulous people are exploiting the vulnerability of people desperate for drinking tap water.
The City said it has sampled water for testing from its various water distribution points, including hydrants and reservoirs and the results have not shown any trace of cholera.
“Confirmatory test results from the NICD which will pinpoint the actual source of contamination are still outstanding,” said the City.
