FEATURE: Hammanskraal water crisis 'symptom of nationwide problem'
On the back of a deadly cholera outbreak in the country, the Department of Water and Sanitation released the interim Blue, Green, and No Drop reports that look at the state of water quality in South Africa.
The reports signalled a steady decline in the ability of water authorities across the country to provide water services to residents.
Jacaranda FM News spoke to municipal infrastructure expert and lecturer at the University of Cape Town Gundo Maswime about legacy problems, poor maintenance, and planning as well as underfunding and a lack of appropriate skills that have contributed to the water challenges in areas like Hammanskraal.
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Following the deaths of more than 30 people due to the cholera outbreak, President Cyril Ramaphosa visited the area most affected by it.
Ramaphosa visited the Rooiwal wastewater works before engaging with the residents of Hammanskraal at the Temba stadium.
There were mixed reactions with some welcoming the president, while others felt his visit was little comfort to those who have lost loved ones.
While the president applauded the response by health authorities to curb the spread of the disease, some claim that the treatment they received at the Jubilee District Hospital was appalling.
The hospital says it is not aware of any complaints from patients or their relatives. They have encouraged those who made the claims to report the incidents by following the complaint mechanism as outlined by the department of health.
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WATCH: Cholera outbreak timeline video
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