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“They’re trying to kill us,” allege Hammanskraal residents as cholera claims 15 lives

todayMay 22, 2023 440

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Frustrated Residents of Hammanskraal are demanding answers following the death of at least 15 people due to a cholera outbreak.

Earlier today, angry residents chased away City Mayor, Cilliers Brink, as he attempted to visit the Jubilee Hospital where more than 30 residents are currently being treated for the water-borne disease.

Protesting residents have slammed the mayor’s visit, challenging him to drink the contaminated water, which they say continues to pose a threat to their health.

The deadly disease, which results in profuse diarrhoea and dehydration, is usually caused by contaminated food and water.

In 2019, the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) declared the water in Hammanskraal unsafe for human consumption with little improvement in sight for the suffering community.

Mayor Cilliers says officials are working tirelessly to find the source of the outbreak.

He has also reiterated the call for residents not to drink water from unsafe sources, including dams and rivers.

Gauteng Health MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, has meanwhile assured residents that all hands are on deck as authorities work to contain the spread of the deadly disease.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, was among the senior health officials who briefed the media on the outbreak earlier.

He acknowledged the government’s shortcomings in tackling Gauteng’s water contamination woes.

Mahlobo says a formal investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the deadly outbreak.



Written by: Naomi Kobbie

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