By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The cholera outbreak death toll has risen to 31, the Department of Health confirmed on Thursday afternoon, 8 June.
Hammanskraal has recorded 29 cases thus far with the rest being recorded in the Free State and Mpumalanga.
The department of health’s spokesperson, Foster Mohale, said the department was working with various stakeholders and continued to make significant progress to contain the spread of the disease and save lives, while the investigations into the cause of the outbreaks were ongoing.
So far, more than 600 people with suspected cholera symptoms have been attended to in Gauteng and Free State hospitals.
“The setting-up of a well-equipped temporary field health facility, Kanana Cholera Treatment Centre, which is the epicentre in Hammanskraal, has not only relieved pressure at Jubilee Hospital but also contributed to improved health-seeking behaviour amongst community members with suspected cholera symptoms, added Mohale.”
The National, Provincial and District Outbreak Response Teams have been activated and reached over 300 contacts as part of case-finding and contact-tracing activities.
These, according to the department, include health promotion and continuous distribution of 3 000 hygiene packs donated by the United Nations Children’s Fund and Doctors Without Borders to households and local schools in the affected communities.
“The Department of Social Development continues with psychosocial support and social relief packages to the families of the deceased.”
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and avoid known or suspected contaminated food, water and surfaces, and wash hands thoroughly with soap before handling and preparing food or after using the bathroom to prevent possible infection.
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed shock during his tour at Rooivaal waste treatment plant which was falling apart and unable to provide clean water to residents.
Ramaphosa visited Hammanskraal on Thursday, following the Cholera outbreak.
The president’s visit began at the Rooiwal plant in Tshwane, where he met with officials who operate the plant.
The Rooiwal plant has been pointed at as the centre of the crisis facing the Hammanskraal community, who have lived without safe drinking water for years.
A joint venture by companies linked to controversial businessman Edwin Sodi was awarded a contract worth R295 million in 2019.
Ramaphosa appeared interested in linking the failure of the tender process and the joint venture’s work with why Hammanskraal residents remained without drinkable water.
“This is because the tender was not well issued?” Ramaphosa asked. The City official responded: It was a joint venture, and in the end, they didn’t perform, and we had to let them go. The contract was terminated because of non-performance, and they were fighting among each other.
The City of Tshwane has since budgeted more than R400 million over three years for the renovations, and R4 billion will be sourced from a loan from the Development Bank of Southern Africa.