Hammanskraal
Hamanskraal is a town located in northern Gauteng province, South Africa ( Picture Courtesy: Jacaranda FM)
Wendy Masombuka
(The Post News) – Hamanskraal is a town that is situated in the northern parts of Gauteng is currently experiencing a severe water crisis, which has left its residents in a desperate situation. The quality of water in Hamanskraal has been declining, to the point where it is not safe for human consumption. As a result, the community is struggling to find clean and safe water to drink.
Reports from organizations like the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and AfriForum say that the water in Hamanskraal has lots of bad bacteria and nitrates. The SAHRC said that the water is not clean or safe enough to drink according to the constitution.
The people living in Hamanskraal have been expressing their distressing predicament, which leaves them with the difficult choice of dealing with dehydration or diarrhea. An elderly resident from Mandela Village in Hamanskraal said, “Mr. President, our most pressing issue here is the lack of water.” Many residents are particularly concerned about the health of the younger members of their community.
The recent situation that has affected public health has been tragic. Reports from local clinics indicate a significant rise in cases of gastroenteritis, particularly among children and individuals with weaker immune systems. Hamanskraal has experienced numerous outbreaks of water-borne diseases like cholera, which are directly linked to contaminated water sources.
Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works finds itself in the middle of this crisis, facing accusations of releasing untreated sewage into the Apies River, upstream from where Hamanskraal gets its water. Responding to these claims, Senzo Mchunu, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, assures progress in providing clean water. “I want to assure you that we will see the first drop of water from this package plant in September,” he said. “The situation is no longer open-ended; however, in the meantime, Tshwane will be supplying water via tankers and possibly installing a few boreholes to ensure people have access to clean water.”
Despite promises from government officials and ongoing intervention plans, there seems to be no immediate relief visible to all Hamanskraal residents. They continue to live under a constant threat to their health.
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