Residents in Pretoria North face health risks from contaminated water supply

Residents in Pretoria North suburbs have been struggling with a water crisis for weeks, dealing with smelly and discoloured water that raises serious health concerns.

The affected areas include Annlin X36, Christiaansville AH, Cynthia Vale AH, De Onderstepoort 300-JR, Derdepoort 326-JR, Derdepoort 327-JR, Doornpoort, Doornpoort 295-JR, Doornpoort All Extensions Hartebeestfontein 324-JR, Kenley, Hartebeestfontein 324-JR, Wonderboom, Wonderboom 302-JR, Magalieskruin All Extensions, Sinoville, Magalieskruin (all extensions), and Montana (all extensions).

The City of Tshwane has initiated an investigation into the cause of the reported bad odour emanating from the water, but residents are growing increasingly frustrated. 

Ward 50 councillor Susanna Breytenbach said: "It is a health risk because you can't allow people to use contaminated water without knowing what's in it and how serious it is." 

She said residents are panicking, feeling frustrated that they are  paying for a service that is not being delivered to the expected standard. 

"What if people start dying or getting stomach bugs? We can't allow that. It is better for me to come forward and say 'there's a problem and we advise residents for now to stay away from the water and we will give them water from tankers' or for them to buy water," she said.

The water crisis is severely impacting residents' daily lives, affecting their ability to bathe, clean, and even consume the water safely.

Breytenbach described the water's condition as so poor that "when you boil it, it gives off a fishy smell".

Ward 96 councillor Gé Breytenbach also reported that tap water has been emitting a bad smell for two weeks, with no solution provided despite seeking answers from the regional office. 

He alleged that the current administration in Tshwane is deliberately withholding information, saying, "As councillors, we struggle to get answers from the bulk services department... It is a political play they are doing in Tshwane."

According to him, the authorities are attempting to resolve the issue by flushing out the water from the reservoir that supplies the area and cleaning it.

Municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the city is investigating reports of smelly and discoloured water at the Montana Reservoir, supplied by the Roodeplaat Water Treatment Works.

 An alternative water supply from Rand Water's backup system has been implemented to ensure safe and consistent drinking water for the affected areas while investigations continue.

Bokaba said: “The city sincerely apologises for this unforeseen disruption of an essential service and pleads for customer’s patience and understanding during this period.” 

He said customers will be updated once the cause of the issue is determined and corrective action is confirmed.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za