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#WaterCrisis: Weeks later, Mangaung’s water is still discoloured and sandy
19 February 2018
The Democratic Alliance, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Public Protector will be meeting this week to discuss the quality of water in Mangaung.
The DA says the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality should be held accountable for the discolouration and sandy smell in the water. According to DA councillor and water expert, Rossouw Botes, tests have indicated that very high levels of E-coli and coliform bacteria are present in the water. However, several weeks after the incident was first reported to the Municipality, residents in the city are still experiencing a distinct odour, change in colour and taste in the water.
The Democratic Alliance, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Public Protector will be meeting this week to discuss the quality of water in Mangaung.
The DA says the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality should be held accountable for the discolouration and sandy smell in the water. According to DA councillor and water expert, Rossouw Botes, tests have indicated that very high levels of E-coli and coliform bacteria are present in the water. However, several weeks after the incident was first reported to the Municipality, residents in the city are still experiencing a distinct odour, change in colour and taste in the water.
Botes says he has received endless numbers of complaints and photos of the dirty water.
“We cannot tolerate this anymore. We need to come to a solution where we can at least tell the public what the municipality will do. According to the Constitution, it is a must to always provide good quality water for the community, and at this stage, it is not happening according to the Constitution.
OFM News previously reported that the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality released a statement, denying that water in Bloemfontein has been contaminated, citing results of tests last conducted in January on drinking water as proof thereof.
Meanwhile, Business owner and water distributor, Wayne Simmons, says this has been a blessing in disguise, as his sales have tripled since the water crisis in the city.
“My sales have increased a lot and I have a lot of new clients who need water. I have supplied a lot of water to the University of the Free State (UFS) last week for the registration period,” says Simmons.
Source: Bloemfontein Courant
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