DA calls on MEC to provide clean water after six children fall ill from allegedly drinking dirty tap water

19 September 2017

The Democratic Alliance in North West is concerned with the lack of urgency shown by Mamusa Local Municipality in dealing with the water crisis that allegedly led to six children falling ill in Schweizer-Reneke.

On Sunday 17 September, it was reported that six children were admitted to hospital with diarrhea after allegedly drinking dirty tap water.

The community said that they have been drinking unclean water for the last month and reported this matter to the authorities who ignored their complaints.

The area has been affected by water cuts and, to date, the municipality has failed to address this issue.

It is unfortunate that children have to fall ill and that the media has to report on it before the ANC responds to the plight of the people of Mamusa.

The DA will write to the MEC for Local Government, Fenny Gaolaolwe, requesting her to immediately ensure that a consistent supply of clean water is restored in the area. The MEC must also ensure that officials who ignored the community’s complaints regarding the dirty water are held responsible.

The DA will also write to Sedibeng Water which provides water to the area, asking for a report of how regularly the quality of the water is tested.

We will also request the MEC to establish an independent team to assess the water purification system in the area and to ensure that the community is provided with clean drinking water.

Issued by Jacqueline Theologo, DA Spokesperson on Local Government, 19 September 2017