Cholera death toll climbs to 20

The death toll from the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal has risen to 20.

Gauteng MEC for Health, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, confirmed the rise in fatalities while presenting her department’s Budget Vote for the 2023/24 financial year earlier today.

Nkomo-Ralehoko says the number of laboratory confirmed cases of cholera is currently standing at 29, while 78 other residents are being treated for gastro-intestinal infections at health facilities in Tshwane.

Earlier, City Mayor, Cilliers Brink, assured the public that officials implicated in corrupt doings at Rooiwal Water Treatment Plant will be held accountable.

The plant discharges sludge into the Apies River, which in turn supply water to the Temba water treatment plant used for purifying water for Hammanskraal residents.

A 2019 tender to upgrade the plant has been shrouded by irregularities with the municipality paying nearly R300 million for a half-complete project.

The mayor confirmed that disciplinary hearings against those implicated in the scandal are at an advanced stage.

However, Brink says, his top priority remains uncovering the cause of deadly cholera outbreak that has rocked the community.

Hammanskraal water problems date back to 2008 and residents have slammed government for dragging its feet to resolve the situation.

[WATCH] We are committing R450 million over three years to Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant to help fast track upgrades and assist Hammanskraal residents. #Hammanskraal #TshwaneBudget2023 @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/PVnQuk7tLD

— Mayor Cilliers Brink (@tshwane_mayor) May 24, 2023

Tshwane authorities are working with the national departments to contain the situation. Article by Naomi Kobbie