In response to the City of Tshwane’s health warning, the Red Cross Society of South Africa and Old Mutual have partnered to donate water to Hammanskraal residents. As a result of tap water consumption believed to contain Cholera, 23 people died and others were hospitalised.
The initiative was graced by Ward Councilors and Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink. Both companies donated 50 000 bottles of 5 litres each, which is 10 000 litres of water. Initially, some bottles were supposed to be distributed individually to each house. However, due to high demand, they were completed at the offloading centre before being sent to the houses in which more than 2000 residents benefited.
Odneywa Matji, a spokesperson for the Red Cross, said there were a lot of people at the offloading centre, and water was offered to them all.
By providing Hammanskraal with clean water, the initiative reduces the risk of cholera in the community.
Inga Hlatshwayo, Old Mutual Communications personnel told Tshwane Bulletin Newspaper that their organisation partners with stakeholders on the ground to accomplish its goals. The donated water forms part of the broader water distribution plan for the City.
This partnership with the South African Red Cross Society has yielded valuable contributions that will assist the community of Hammanskraal during this difficult time.
“ Through the partnership, there is the deployment of volunteers who will ensure that the water reaches all intended recipients as per the existing water distribution plans of the municipality,” added Hlatshwayo.
More water donations are in the pipeline, and local schools are the next targets. Old Mutual and the Red Cross plan to extend their initiative program by donating water purification sachets, buckets, and fresh water. Mmamarumo Primary, Mmantlhame Primary, Dooka Primary and Kwa Mocha Primary are included on the list.
Residents are still encouraged to prepare food and fruits using safe water. They are advised not to drink tap water and eat food sold by street vendors since the government is investigating the Hammanskraal Cholera outbreak.
