‘He doesn’t care about us’ - Hammanskraal residents reject Mayor Brink

The decade-long water contamination issue in the area has now been placed at the centre of a cholera outbreak that’s claimed at least 12 lives. 

The city has been unable to give deadlines for the completion of the multi-billion rand upgrades on Rooiwal waste water treatment plant which has been marred by delays. 

A woman who was part of the group that kicked and banged on the Mayor’s car says while the water issues go many years back, the situation has worsened in recent months, and she blames Brink and the DA administration 

“He’s on top of Tshwane but he doesn’t deliver for us. Because of this disease he comes here like he cares? He doesn’t care for us.” 

Another resident says budget cuts and unequal distribution of services by the City have contributed to the health crisis 

“They cut the water budget from 2016, they cut even the trucks. They don’t hVr more trucks to deliver water around the location. What is he going to tell us now?”

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up with Saps and TMPD officers as the health, water and sanitation deputy Ministers; Sbongiseni Dlomo and David Mahlobo; and Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko have arrived at the Jubilee district hospital.

COMMUNITY MEMBERS ‘NOT SURPRISED’, BUT FEARFUL 

Community members in Hammanskraal say the cholera outbreak has been a disaster in the making for many years. 

In 2019, the South African Human Rights Commission declared the water in Hammanskraal unsafe for human consumption leaving residents dependent on water tankers or having to buy their own drinking water. 

Driving into Hammanskraal we’re met by scenes of water running down the bustling Jubilee Road, just meters away from Jubilee District Hospital where nearly 100 patients have been seen after presenting with cholera-related symptoms such as stomach cramps, fever and diarrhea. 

While it may appear residents are going about their day usual - this man says the 12 deaths have sparked fear - among those who are reliant on the municipality -sponsored tankers for their daily ration of drinking water.

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