South Africa: Ramaphosa to Visit Cholera-Hit Hammanskraal

The death toll in the cholera outbreak has risen to 24.

Hammanskraal accounts for 23 deaths while the Free State has recorded one death.

The crisis and the rising death toll has prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to visit hard-hit Hammanskraal.

The township in the north of Tshwane has been battling water-related issues for many years and relies mostly on water tankers, as tap water is unsafe.

City of Tshwane officials have urged residents not to drink the tap water. The Metro has not been able to contain the spread of the bacteria due to its inability to identify the source.

Ramaphosa announced that he will visit Hammanskraal during the week as he said the cholera outbreak was a matter of concern.

"I have sent our ministers to deal with the situation. The minister of water and sanitation and the health minister are currently dealing with the matter.

"It is their responsibility to deal with these matters and they are coming up with solutions. We are also working with the local municipality," he said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu met Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink to develop a joint plan for the long overdue refurbishment of the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant.

During the tabling of the City's budget speech last week, Brink said the city will commit R450 million over the next three financial years to complete Phase 1 of the upgrade to the Rooiwal treatment plant.

But he said Phase 2 of the project will cost R2.5 billion, which the city doesn't have.

"For Phase 2 of the Rooiwal upgrade, the city will need other government entities to help it raise the R2.5 billion needed," he said.

 

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