By Following complains by residents regarding the water quality that has a brownish colour coming out from their taps, Mangaung Metro has assured residents that it has deployed its technical team to look into the matter.
Dirk Kotze, a Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor in Mangaung Metro said his party will report water quality issues in Mangaung to Legislature and to the Human Rights Commission.
Kotze says this follows councillors receiving complaints, since Friday 6 September 2024, from residents about tap water, which had a brownish tint and a foul odour due to sediment visible in the water.
“The DA received complaints from residents in the southern and central suburbs of Bloemfontein, as well as in Dewetsdorp and Wepener. These issues arose just a week after Vaal Water conducted winter maintenance on the Brandkop reservoir located in Pellissier.
Water engineers from the MMM only took remedial action after DA councillors urged City Manager, Sello More and Head of Engineering, Itumeleng Masobeng to address the issue. The councillors had not been informed about the situation since it first emerged on Friday,” alleged Dirk Kotze.
Mangaung Metro said its technical team is busy with investigations regarding the colour of the water in Dewetsdorp, Wepener, Uitsig, General de Wet, Hospital Park and Fleurdal.
“Our team is currently busy with investigations that include water sampling, searching for possible pipe bursts or leaks on the truck main that causes potential discolouring and scouring in specific areas,” said Qondile Khedama, the Spokesperson for Mangaung Metro.
Mangaung Metro has since advised residents in the affected areas to boil the water before use, residents are advised to boil the water for one minute and left to cool naturally. Those who are unable to boil the water, are advised to mix one teaspoon of unperfumed household bleach in 20 to 25 litres of water and left to stand for at least two hours before use.
“Investigations in progress to determine the cause and the affected pipelines are being flushed and disinfected. Further testing is underway conducted by the Metro’s technical team to ensure the highest and safest quality water is supplied,” concluded Khedama.
