Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya has ordered an investigation into the failures that left residents in Bronkhorstspruit exposed to contaminated water, pledging disciplinary action against officials found to have been negligent as political pressure mounts on the city over the outbreak.
The investigation will examine how the interruption of chlorine supplies at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works occurred, why residents were not warned that their water was unsafe, and whether procurement, operational, and management failures contributed to the crisis.
Moya said the city’s chief operations officer had been tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including whether officials failed to escalate the problem or communicate the risks to residents.
“The investigation must establish accountability and recommend corrective action,” she said.
“Where negligence or misconduct is identified, the city will act decisively in accordance with the applicable disciplinary processes.”
Moya said she had accepted political responsibility for the city’s response but stressed that administrative accountability was also necessary.
“As Executive Mayor, I have accepted political responsibility for the city’s response to this crisis. However, political accountability must be accompanied by administrative accountability, particularly where residents’ health and safety are concerned.”
The mayor’s comments come as opposition parties pursue action against the city.
The DA said it opened a criminal case at Pretoria Central police station this week over what it described as failures to maintain safe drinking-water standards. The party has also called for water-quality results to be released and for scrutiny of spending on water tankers.
The EFF also announced plans to lay criminal charges against Moya and City Manager Johan Mettler, as well as approach the South African Human Rights Commission over residents’ access to safe water.
While the political response intensifies, the immediate challenge remains providing residents with safe water and establishing how the failures occurred.
Moya said 35 water tankers were operating in the affected areas, seven municipal tankers and 28 supplied by a service provider, with another expected to bring the total to 36. Safe water is being sourced from Cullinan Water Treatment Works, with deliveries prioritised for healthcare facilities and schools.
The city said it is also working with Rand Water technical teams on maintenance and interventions at the treatment works. Flushing and disinfection of the affected distribution network are due to begin, alongside daily water-quality monitoring by the city, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission (WRC).
The WRC is conducting independent testing and investigating the causes of the contamination, with its report expected by October 28.
Moya said further work was needed before safe drinking water could be restored through the affected network. Residents would be informed if a temporary shutdown was required to install equipment.
anita.nkonki@nationalmg.co.za