Cape Town - Water tankers have left the area and the water supply has been declared safe, but Strandfontein residents remain angry with the City over last week’s water contamination.
Strandfontein Ratepayers and Residents Association chairperson Mario Oostendurp said he had been contacted by at least 80 people who had fallen ill, with symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and mouth ulcers.
“Residents are still reluctant to drink the water and feel that the City has let them down. The City has promised a report to the community, but we have not yet received it. I am in contact every day with the officials, demanding answers about this,”
Oostendurp said.
A community meeting is expected to be held on Thursday night at the Strandfontein Community Hall, where the City is expected to give feedback to residents.
Oostendurp said: “We are yet to receive the proper notification on the level of contamination.”
On Friday, the City of Cape Town announced that it was busy investigating the water quality. It also said that water tankers were sent to Strandfontein to provide potable water until the situation was resolved.
The City’s health department advised residents in the Strandfontein area not to drink tap water without first boiling it.
It is believed that sewage entered the water pipes in the area, contaminating the drinking water.
On Sunday, the City announced the water was safe to drink, and that an investigation was under way into the contamination.
Mayco member for water and waste services, Xanthea Limberg, said: “Strandfontein water quality is now safe for consumption. The incident leading to the contamination is still under investigation, and once finalised, the necessary action will be taken in terms of the City’s water by-law.”
Mayco community services and health member Zahid Badroodien is also expected to attend tonight’s meeting.
“The concern registered by residents as a result of the contamination is understandable.
“However, it’s important to note that the City acted rapidly to address the matter,” he said.