By Akani Nkuna
The City of Tshwane has lifted its boil-water advisory for the Pretoria CBD, but an investigation will probe why residents were not warned timeously after contamination was detected in the water supply.
Mayor Nasiphi Moya said on Saturday that the latest microbiological testing at Findlay Reservoir recorded no detectable E. coli or total coliform bacteria.
This means residents can resume normal use of their tap water without boiling it.
The municipality is facing backlash over its handling of the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, where 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness were recorded between 7 and 18 October, mostly involving children under the age of four.
Moya said the water crisis will be investigated.
“As part of the broader independent investigation initiated following the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, we will also examine the circumstances surrounding this incident, including whether any negligence occurred and why residents were not warned timeously.
“Where failures are established, appropriate corrective action and
consequence management will follow,” she said in a statement.
While safe drinking water has been restored, work is continuing to repair the damaged sewer pipe in Groenkloof that caused the temporary contamination of groundwater from the Fountains springs. It supplies Findlay Reservoir alongside Rand Water.
Moya said this incident is unrelated to the issues being experienced in Bronkhorstspruit.
The city issued a statement on Thursday saying that microbiological contamination was detected in water supplied from the reservoir after conducting tests on Wednesday.
The city’s technical teams have cleaned the reservoir and applied chlorine shock treatment to the affected distribution networks.
“I want to commend our technical teams for identifying the contamination, isolating the affected source and undertaking the necessary interventions to restore safe drinking water.
“However, we recognise the seriousness of this incident and the concern it has caused residents. In particular, the delay in communicating the initial boil-water advisory was unacceptable, and I sincerely apologise to affected residents,” she said.
The mayor said corrective action would be taken and those found responsible would face consequences once the investigation is complete.
