[WATCH] Water has finally started flowing in various areas of Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, but the City of Tshwane warns it is still unsafe for drinking or cooking. #Newzroom405 @NqobileMadlala_ speaks to residents, who detail their ongoing struggles with water supply. pic.twitter.com/UmnrEJYOJU
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 26, 2024
Date: December 26, 2024
In a recent development that brings both relief and caution, water has finally started flowing in various areas of Hammanskraal, located north of Pretoria. This news, reported by Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) on X, marks a significant moment for the community which has been grappling with severe water supply issues for years. However, the City of Tshwane has issued a stern warning that despite the flow, the water is still not safe for drinking or cooking, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by local residents.
In the post, we see a video where @NqobileMadlala_ speaks directly with the residents, providing a firsthand account of their struggles. One image from the video captures a conversation with two local women, who detail the hardships of living with inconsistent and unsafe water supplies. This visual narration brings to light the human aspect of the crisis, showing the resilience and frustration of the community members.
The background of this issue is deeply rooted. According to the information from www.thesouthafrican.com, the Hammanskraal water crisis has been a longstanding issue with many homes left without access to clean and safe water. The City of Tshwane has been working on resolving this, with plans to provide safe water to most homes by 2025, though some areas were expected to receive it by the end of 2024. Despite progress, as mentioned by Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, the water remains unsafe due to minor turbidity issues, awaiting a formal notice of safety from the City.
Further complicating the situation, the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Works, which is crucial for Hammanskraal’s water supply, has faced maintenance issues leading to contamination. Reports from www.outa.co.za highlight that raw sewage from Rooiwal has polluted the Apies River, which feeds into the Leeuwkraal Dam, the source for Hammanskraal’s water. This contamination has resulted in the water being unfit for human consumption, with independent tests confirming the presence of harmful substances like E. coli.
The City of Tshwane has been proactive in managing this crisis within its capacity. It operates six water purification plants, and while most of the water supply comes from external sources like Rand Water, the City ensures regular testing and compliance with national standards. However, the situation in Hammanskraal shows there are still significant gaps in the infrastructure and maintenance that need urgent attention.
This water crisis isn’t just about the lack of water; it’s about the quality of life, public health, and the basic human right to safe drinking water. The residents of Hammanskraal have shown incredible patience and resilience, but the need for a long-term, sustainable solution is evident. The political and administrative response has been under scrutiny, with organizations like ActionSA stepping in to hold the local government accountable for the persistent issues.
As we move forward, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to collaborate more effectively. The community’s plight must be addressed with urgency and transparency. The City of Tshwane, along with national water authorities and community organizations, must work towards not just providing water but ensuring it’s safe for consumption. The residents of Hammanskraal, like all citizens, deserve nothing less.