More people have succumbed to cholera in Hammanskraal in the north of Pretoria, taking the death toll to 31.
Of the total figure, 29 people have died in Hammanskraal while Free State and Mpumalanga have recorded one death each. To date, more than 160 lab cases have been confirmed.
During his visit to Hammanskraal on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa told the residents to always boil water before consumption, to which they asked: “With what electricity?”
In response, the president apologised on behalf of government.
“We are so sorry. We have not lived up to your expectations as the people of Hammanskraal. We admit that we have failed you as a government,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that the residents will receive water through tankers, noting that the Magalies Water Works will be constructed and start working within six months.
The president said about R4-billion is needed to fix the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant, adding that plans are under way to raise the required funding.
“There must be cooperation from all government spheres in order for the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant to be fixed,” he said.
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