Tshwane’s Member of the Mayoral Committee for Health Services, Tshegofatso Mashabela, has raised concerns about some water tanker drivers collecting water from questionable and potentially hazardous sources during the ongoing Rand Water maintenance schedule.

The metro has deployed water tankers to distribute water to areas including Soshanguve, Mabopane, Ga-Rankuwa, and Winterveldt, which are currently experiencing a water crisis due to Rand Water’s scheduled maintenance at the Hartebeeshoek Reservoir. 

The maintenance, which started on July 3, is expected to last until July 18, leaving residents struggling to access water, with some areas going without supply for days.

Mashabela warned that the practice by some water tanker drivers poses a significant public health risk, compromising efforts to provide safe and clean water to communities.

“The department has become aware of non-compliance within our water supply system. During the implementation of the Rand Water maintenance schedule, certain water tanker drivers have been resorting to collecting water from questionable and potentially hazardous sources,” she said.

To address the critical situation, the city will conduct random water sampling on water trucks to verify the safety and quality of the water being supplied to communities.

“Samples will be meticulously analysed, and any deviations, irregularities, or signs of contamination will be thoroughly scrutinised to ensure the continued provision of high-quality water to our residents. It is imperative to emphasise that water collection must exclusively take place at designated and officially approved points. Unauthorised or unverified sources are explicitly forbidden to avert potential health crises,” Mashabela said.

She emphasised that water collection must exclusively take place at designated and officially approved points, and unauthorised or unverified sources are explicitly forbidden to avert potential health crises.

She warned that failure to meet water standards will result in swift and decisive action, including potential referrals to law enforcement and initiation of legal proceedings under public health and water safety regulations.

“The full cooperation and compliance of all water tanker drivers are indispensable in upholding the integrity of our public water supply and in protecting the health and well-being of our communities. We extend our gratitude for your unwavering commitment to public safety,” she said.

Residents with queries or needing to report contraventions are urged to contact the office of the director for municipal health services directly at 012 358 8609.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za

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