Tshwane:The number of gastrointestinal illness cases related to contaminated water in the Bronkhorstspruit area of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has increased from 408 to 833. This significant rise was disclosed by Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina during a visit by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Water and Sanitation, led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

According to South African Government News Agency, Majodina explained that despite the shutdown of the water treatment works, some processed and distributed water may have already contributed to the increase in cases. She noted that residents continued using stored water even after the deployment of water tankers.

The Minister confirmed that no critical cases or deaths have been reported. Four new water pumps have been installed at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant as part of efforts to restore Phase 1 of the plant. The government is also auditing water treatment facilities, particularly in Gauteng, to evaluate their condition.

Majodina highlighted the need for at least R400 billion to repair the country's aging water infrastructure and emphasized partnerships with the private sector and municipalities for infrastructure maintenance. She reassured residents about sufficient chlorine supplies at the treatment plant for the next six to seven weeks.

The City of Tshwane is providing free drinking water through tankers, although Majodina stressed the importance of minimizing reliance on them due to their cost and inconvenience. She clarified that there is no link between the water supply issues in Hammanskraal and Bronkhorstspruit.

Deputy President Mashatile stated that Rand Water is leading a multidisciplinary team to address the problem at the plant, with work already underway. He emphasized the government's need to intensify efforts to prevent further cases of illness.