Public Protector launches probe into Bronkhorstspruit water crisis

The Public Protector has launched an investigation into allegations of maladministration and improper conduct against the City of Tshwane following the water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit , east of Pretoria.

Health authorities have linked more than 400 cases of gastrointestinal illness in the region to contaminated water after the metro’s failure to treat water from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant with chlorine.

Spokesperson for the office of the Public Protector, Oupa Segalwe, says they will approach the Tshwane City Manager for a formal response to the allegations.

“Following receipt of the complaints, a Public Protector investigation team visited the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant to verify the allegations and establish what interim measures had been put in place to protect residents from unsafe water.

The investigation team was informed that the plant had been decommissioned as an interim measure to facilitate the cleaning and disinfection of the entire water system.

The team was also advised that water tankers would be deployed to supply water to the affected community.”