The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) said it will this week clamp down on any tankers transporting water without a valid permit in cholera-hit Hammanskraal.

The metro said they have received information from the community claiming that water tankers are selling water in the area.

Residents warned not to drink from tankers

“Residents are cautioned not to buy or drink water from these tankers,” the metro said in a statement.

“The water is untested and is not safe for drinking. The metro provides drinkable water to its communities in formal and informal areas in Hammanskraal free of charge.”

The water provided by the metro’s tankers is reported to be safe for drinking.

This was determined by a series of tests which were done and confirmed the water was cholera-free.

Authorities last week announced the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal and surrounding areas, after stool test results confirmed that those living in the area tested positive for cholera.

Report suspect tankers

Hence, the metro reiterated its warning to residents not to use tap water for drinking purposes, but rather to use it for washing, cleaning and flushing toilets.

“We will provide drinkable water to the communities through our contracted service providers who carry a letter or permit authorising them to dispense water. Anyone caught selling untested water without a permit will be arrested and prosecuted.

“Communities are urged to be circumspect of unscrupulous people allegedly taking advantage of the water situation in Hammanskraal by exploiting the vulnerability of people desperate for drinking water.”

Residents are urged to write down the registration numbers of suspect tankers selling water and to report these immediately to the TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096.

North West detects two cholera cases

Meanwhile, the North West Department of Health yesterday announced that it has recorded two laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera, as government works around the clock to contain the waterborne disease.

The confirmed laboratory cases, according to the provincial Health Department, were detected in two males aged 38 and 68 from the Madibeng and Morelete local municipalities.

“Both patients presented with vomiting and diarrhoea which are symptoms of cholera.”

The department has since urged citizens not to panic, as cholera is preventable and curable.

“All people who experience cholera symptoms, with or without a local or international travel history, are advised to visit their nearest health facility.”

Cholera is a diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.

The department says individuals generally become ill 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

Some of the common symptoms include diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and low-grade fever.

The majority of people who develop symptoms have mild or moderate symptoms, while a minority develop acute watery diarrhoea with severe dehydration.

“This can lead to death if left untreated,” the department says.

“The department would further like to urge the public to take extra precautionary measures and maintain proper hand hygiene as the country experiences an outbreak of diarrhoeal disease or gastrointestinal infection, and the rising number of laboratory-confirmed cases of cholera.”

According to the latest data, 23 people have lost their lives since the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, while 77 patients are still admitted to hospital in Tshwane.

In addition, the Free State recorded two cases of cholera in Parys and a further six from Vredefort, as well as the death of a 33-year-old woman. – SAnews.gov.za