Riverpark Flats on dire water shortages during Covid-19
RIVERPARK – Organic Market remains safe with running water available for the residents to also wash their hands regularly to avoid Covid-19 infections.
Residents in the informal settlements around the Johannesburg north-eastern suburbs face serious health threats due to lack of running water during the national shutdown amid the novel coronavirus.
The 21-day national shutdown, announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on 23 March, is a contingency measure to curb the spread of the virus. Among the contingency measures announced, residents are encouraged to regularly wash their hands but to residents in Riverpark and Greenville, water is a luxury.
Ward 81 councillor, Irene Rugheimer confirmed that Riverpark Flats near Alexandra, as well as Greenville, are some of the worrying areas with a lack of adequate water supply mechanisms to help prevent the potential spread of Covid-19.
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On 24 March, Rugheimer was still trying to find a way for residents to access water so they can regularly wash their hands to avoid being infected. “We have no water at Riverpark and I have been trying to sort the issue out with the City of Johannesburg’s water utility Johannesburg Water but we haven’t had any feedback yet,” Rugheimer said.
Isaac Dhludhlu, the spokesperson for the Johannesburg Water, could not immediately respond saying they were waiting for an official statement from the City on how to deal with informal settlements during the shutdown. “As Johannesburg Water we do have plans in place but we will wait first for the City to issue the statement, then we will be in a position to respond adequately,” he said.
Rugheimer added, “We have a feedback on Greenville and we hope to sort it out as soon as possible ahead of the shutdown. As for another informal settlement, the Organic Market, we are a bit comfortable because there are taps there with running water.”
She said said she is working with the community to ensure that they understand and participate effectively to help combat the pandemic from spreading further. “I continue to update them about what they can expect during the shutdown through our WhatsApp group, emails and other forms of communications including Facebook.”
According to the councillor, facilities such as the Riverpark Clinic, Edenvale Hospital and local police stations will be operating during the shutdown as they provide essential services.
She wished all residents in Ward 81 well and urged them to be safe and stay at home to avoid being infected with Covid-19 virus during the shutdown.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthatise Modingoane, without specifying any informal settlements, said the City has identified settlements that require water services and they are supplying water during the lockdown. “My understanding is that the City has procured additional water tanks and various informal settlements within the City of Johannesburg are being supplied with water during the 21 days of the national lockdown,” he said.
“I believe all the informal settlements within the municipality are getting the services.”
Details: Irene Rugheimer 072 409 6594.
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https://northeasterntribune.co.za/259785/departments-measures-for-coronavirus-outbreak/
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