EFF takes Tshwane water crisis to Public Protector as ActionSA questions its MMC

By Thapelo Molefe

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has asked the Public Protector to investigate the City of Tshwane’s handling of the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, as a dispute over political accountability intensifies following an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness that affected 408 people.

The EFF wants the watchdog to investigate a chlorine shortage, the alleged failure to warn residents about unsafe water, and the conduct of Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya, City Manager Johann Mettler and the municipality.

The complaint, submitted by EFF Tshwane mayoral candidate Omphile Maotwe, alleges that the city failed to chlorinate water at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works between 24 September and 14 October.

The outbreak was linked to 408 reported cases of gastrointestinal illness between 7 and 18 October, most involving children under the age of four. Cases peaked at 72 on 13 October.

On Wednesday, the Public Protector acknowledged receipt of Maotwe’s complaint and said it