The six cases of cholera reported in Gauteng must not be taken lightly, especially because sewage spills are frequent in certain municipalities.
The Gauteng Health Department’s urgent statement that tap water is not contaminated with cholera bacteria is true, but residents should not become careless.
The Department also warned residents to maintain good hygiene and not to use unpurified sources of water.
The blame for water sources, like rivers, boreholes and dams, possibly being contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria can only be placed at the door of mismanaged municipalities and the Gauteng government.
These water sources are also used for irrigating crops and providing livestock with water.
People also use these water sources for household purposes because they cannot access purified water.
The FF Plus warned Gauteng municipalities and the provincial government on numerous occasions that the pollution of water sources will have catastrophic consequences for humans, animals and the environment.
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) even declared the pollution of the Vaal River a violation of human rights.
And yet the pollution continues and endangers the lives of thousands of people.
The ANC clearly lacks the political will to govern municipalities and the province to benefit all its people and protect valuable resources.
Gauteng deserves better than the ANC.
Amanda de Lange ,FF Plus MPL: Gauteng
