‘No person should be getting water from a tanker at this day and age’

No person should be getting water from a tanker at this day and age. This is according to Tshwane Utilities MMC Themba Fosi, accompanied by Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink and his Deputy, Dr Nasiphi Moya, as they engaged Hammanskraal residents on measures to get clean portable water in the area.

The measures to fix water issues were announced by the City and the Water and Sanitation Department in June last year following a cholera outbreak which killed over 20 people.

Part of the interim measures is the installation of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works which will produce 30-40 mega litres of water. The Metro has assured residents that they will access clean water from their taps and that their historical bills will be scrapped from October this year.

[IN PICTURES] Hammanskraal community imbizo giving update on provision of clean tap water to residents. The magalies package plant will bring an end to water tankers and ensure that residents receive water from their taps while upgrades are underway at Rooiwal Wastewater… pic.twitter.com/kGNtt1NWVh

— Cilliers Brink (@CilliersB) August 17, 2024

Hammanskraal will have clean water coming from their taps in phases from October this year. This is according to Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink, Utilities MMC Themba Fosi and the appointed service provider, Magalies Water.

“Magalies will roll out water provisions in phases over different areas that are receiving water from Rooiwal,” says Dr Nasiphi Moya, Deputy Mayor.

Water tankers cost the city R98 million a year. Utilities MMC Themba Fosi emphasised how this development in October will see the back of water tankers that cost the city millions monthly.

“None should be receiving water through tankers at this day and age. The R100 million spent annually on tankers will go towards infrastructure once taps have water in Hammanskraal.”

Hammanskraal’s water woes is dating back almost two decades, and it deteriorated in 2019 when partially treated sewerage started spilling onto the Apies River. The Tshwane Mayor says he will suggest that council should equitably scrap historical water bills for Hammanskraal residents.

“I will propose to council to scrap historical water bills for residents of Hammanskraal who have been grappling with water challenges for almost two decades.”

Residents voiced their concerns.

“How will residents be compensated after they were affected by water as many died in the area?” a resident asks.

“My neighbour doesn’t have water meter. So how will they make sure that all residents pay their bills?” another resident asks.

“We’ve been paying bills despite the dirty water, will there be a rebate for us?” another resident elaborates.

The City has also urged residents to be vigilant against those who vandalize municipal infrastructure.