The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has hailed a significant breakthrough in the provision of clean water for the residents of Hammanskraal, following the successful completion of the first phase of the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant.
This much-anticipated development marks a new beginning for a community that has long suffered from a lack of reliable access to potable water, enduring nearly two decades of uncertainty.
Located in the City of Tshwane, the newly operational water treatment plant is set to deliver at least 12.5 megalitres of treated water daily to several underserved areas, including Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens, and Babelegi Industrial. This initiative arrives at a crucial time, especially in the aftermath of a devastating cholera outbreak earlier in May 2023, which recorded 99 confirmed cases and led to 23 tragic fatalities, all linked to contaminated water supplies.
Since 2018, the SAHRC has been closely monitoring the water quality issues affecting Hammanskraal. Their investigations have revealed a series of alarming concerns within the municipal water treatment facilities, including management failures and insufficient budget allocations, which have critically compromised water quality. With an urgent need for enhanced infrastructure, the Commission notably emphasised the necessity for adequate funding in annual budgets to ensure basic water supply equity.
"The achievement of equality and dignity, one of the founding values of our Constitution, will not be accomplished while there is unequal access to basic water supply," the SAHRC stated in a recent media release, underscoring the importance of this development for local residents.
In a proactive response to the ongoing crisis, SAHRC representatives conducted site inspections in various Hammanskraal suburbs and confirmed that residents now have access to clean tap water, a change long awaited. However, the Commission remains vigilant, urging all municipalities under regulatory scrutiny to take decisive action to rectify their wastewater systems, many of which are in desperate need of upgrades.
Furthermore, the City of Tshwane has reported that the Hammanskraal intervention project achieved a critical milestone with the successful flushing of the reticulation system, which has been replete with challenges. This flushing process was imperative, ensuring the removal of sediments and debris while optimising system operations for efficiency. The rigorous assessment aimed at guaranteeing that the water supplied through the reticulation system meets the SANS 241:2015 standard for drinking water safety.
The City expressed its relief and satisfaction at announcing that the distribution system has now been thoroughly sanitized, making the water fully compliant with safety standards. "This underscores Magalies Water’s commitment to delivering safe, clean, and reliable drinking water for our consumers," the City proclaimed.
As the project progresses, ongoing testing will ensure that the water produced continues to meet the strict physical, chemical, and microbiological specifications necessary for safe consumption, reinforcing the community's hope for a healthier future.
