In a ‘shocking’ turn of events, the African National Congress (ANC) voiced their deep concern and disappointment over the ongoing cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal.
The governing party pinpointed the Democratic Alliance-led (DA) City of Tshwane as the primary culprit for the unfolding health crisis.
Hammanskraal cholera outbreak
The ANC voiced their feelings of shock and sorrow about the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, which has claimed the lives of 15 residents.
The ANC didn’t minced words in its condemnation of the DA.
ANC ‘alarmed and saddened’
The outrage of the ANC goes beyond the fact that cholera is preventable.
Its outrage stems from their accusation that the DA-led City of Tshwane has been negligent in ensuring the human rights and dignity of Hammanskraal’s residents.
Much like President Cyril Ramaphosa, the party was “alarmed and saddened […] and outraged.”
The ANC argues that the tragedy in Hammanskraal is a direct result of a municipality that’s “fallen asleep at the wheel,” failing in its duty to provide safe, potable water.
ANC v DA: Battle of blame
The party alleges that the DA has shirked its responsibility and taken a defensive stance instead of taking responsibility and collaboriting with provincial and national governments.
The ruling party challenges the DA to own up to its failures in providing potable water and to commit to rectifying the problem.
To it credit, the ANC highlights that the DA isn’t prioritising the “poorest of the poor” within the opposition party’s administration areas.
This racist stance has resulted in a systemic disregard for the rights of the poorest individuals in the region, transforming DA-governed areas into what they dub “islands of apartheid in a sea of democracy.”
Water tankers available
Meanwhile, Ofentse Madzebatela reported that the Human Settlements Department is increasing water provision via water tankers to Hammanskraal as a response to the cholera outbreak.
The availability of the tankers will be extended from three to five days per week until May 31, with the city evaluating the need for further extensions.
The following areas are affected:
- Bridgeview
- Chris Hani Block G
- Hammanskraal Ext 2
- Hammanskraal West
- Kudube Unit 9
- Nkandla (Stinkwater area)
- Phomolong (Suurman Ridge)
- Prestige
- Soutpan / Marikana
- Steve Biko
The councillor encourages residents to cleanse containers with bleach detergents before drawing water from the tankers and to boil water from alternative sources prior to consumption.
