ANC urges DA 'to take responsibility' for Hammanskraal cholera crisis
The ANC says it is alarmed by the ongoing cholera outbreak in the Hammanskraal area, north of Tshwane
The outbreak has claimed the lives of at least 15 people and dozens hospitalised.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the party accused the municipality of "sleeping on the job".
"The ANC is also outraged, not only because cholera is a preventable disease, but because the DA-led City of Tshwane continues to trample on the dignity of the people of Hammanskraal and to shamelessly violate their human rights in the most heartless and inhuman manner.
"The tragedy unfolding in Hammanskraal is a direct outcome of a municipality that has been sleeping on the job and failed dismally to provide clean and safe drinking water to the people of Hammanskraal."
The DA took control of the City from the ANC in 2016 and has been struggling to provide quality water to Hammanskraal residents.
The ANC accuses the DA led administration of passing the buck and finger-pointing.
"Instead of joining hands with the provincial and national government to deal with the tragedy, the DA has resorted to their typical defensive, buck-passing and finger-pointing exercises without accepting any responsibility.
"We urge the DA to take responsibility for their failure to provide water fit for human consumption and commit to addressing the problem.
"We urge the Department of Water and Sanitation not to relent, they must continue to drag the DA administration, kicking and screaming, to the water purification plants to ensure that our people get access to safe and clean water."
The DA hit back on Tuesday, with the party’s Jacqui Uys saying the Temba Water Purification Plant was shut down under the ANC's watch in 2011.
"It is hard to overlook that the current challenges at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment plant are linked to past management decisions and insufficient investment in essential water infrastructure.
"The closure of the Temba Water Purification Plant in August 2011, under the ANC's watch, was a significant setback for many residents and served as a clear indication of the deteriorating water quality."
Uys said when DA took over in Tshwane, they found water quality in Hammanskraal to be alarmingly compromised.
The concerns came on the back of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) tests which showed high concentrations of nitrites, nitrates, and E. coli traces in the tap water.
"It is regrettable that the ANC seems more focused on political manoeuvring than on addressing the needs of the Hammanskraal residents. The community deserves more than the current cycle of accusations and finger-pointing.
"I urge the ANC to focus on the welfare of the people they represent. Let's acknowledge the issues and work together with the Multi-Party Coalition government to find durable solutions for the water crisis in Hammanskraal," said Uys.
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