The City of Tshwane has suspended water supplies from the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant following reports of more than 400 cases of gastrointestinal illness in the area.
Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says the decision follows advice from Rand Water to isolate the plant amid concerns over the safety of the water supply.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina on Tuesday accused the municipality of failing to warn residents that the water was unsafe for human consumption, even after boiling.
Moya says the city will provide affected residents with clean drinking water through water tankers while the plant remains isolated.
“The Rand Water team has advised us that they want to isolate that plant so that it doesn’t supply water to the people. So we’ll continue to supply water through water tankers,” she said.
The mayor says a water distribution schedule has been shared with ward councillors, who will assist in ensuring residents have access to safe drinking water.
She has urged residents to use only water supplied by the city through its tankers, saying it has been tested and confirmed safe for consumption.
The suspension is intended to prevent further exposure to potentially unsafe water while the situation is being addressed.