/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The presence of potentially fatal bacteria that causes cholera in the Vaalriver confirms that the collapse of municipal infrastructure may take a deadly toll on communities that get their water from this river.

Water sample tests conducted by Afriforum confirmed the presence of cholera in the Dikgatlong and Magareng municipal water sources, amongst others. Magareng has been left without water since floods damaged the town's main pipeline in February and, as repairs face one delay after another, potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases was inevitable.

Likewise, it was inevitable that residents of Dikgatlong would suffer the consequences of burst pipes and sewage leaking into the Vaalriver. Councillors report sewage overflows in people's homes and sewages leaks, including leaks right in front of the municipality.

We appreciate the lead taken by Afriforum to conduct these tests. Municipalities must now step up and meet their own obligations to ensure that communities have access to clean, safe drinking water. This means fixing the longstanding infrastructure problems that lies at the heart of the cholera contamination as well as regular testing to show that water is safe for human consumption and regular updates to communities.

We have reported our service delivery concerns to the SAHRC and will intensify our oversight efforts from the provincial legislature to ensure that municipal authorities are held to account for their actions.

Issued by Delmaine Christians, MP - DA Member of the NCOP