26 September 2006
Issued by: GCIS
It is a month since the outbreak of typhoid and diarrhoea in Delmas. Joint action by the Joint Operations Committee (JOC), comprising of the Delmas Local Municipality, Nkangala District Municipality, Provincial Departments and Local Government and Housing, Health and Social Services, Agriculture and Land Administration and the National Departments of Health and Water Affairs and Forestry has been taken to bring the outbreak under control. Provision of safe and clean drinking water and hygiene awareness education have resulted in a decline in the number of new diarrhoea cases. The JOC will continue to monitor the situation.
Intensive monitoring of the borehole water at source and after treatment, reservoirs, standpipes and household taps, as well as from water resources in the area has been ongoing since 9 September. A range of tests were performed to ensure the accuracy of results. After a series of tests by conventional methods, results from DNA analysis of the boreholes has shown that one of the boreholes (Borehole A4), gave positive results for Salmonella typhii, the bacterium that causes typhoid.
There are currently no plans to close down any of the boreholes. The water supply from all boreholes after treatment is fit for drinking, as measured by the residual chlorine values recorded by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. It must be noted that no water from any source other than tap water should be used without treatment. Daily monitoring of residual chlorine in the treated water is continuous. Based on the latest results of our tests the water supply currently for Delmas indicates no e-coli or Total coliforms. This means that the water complies to the specification for drinking water and as such is now safe for consumption. However the government will continue to provide water in tankers for a limited period to ensure sufficient water for all users.
All other boreholes in Delmas have tested negative for Salmonella typhii. Analysis on the water supply after chlorination has shown that it is free of contamination and safe to drink.
Samples of borehole water are currently being analysed for nine different types of viruses and bacteria. In order to ensure that all possible sources of contamination are investigated and brought under control, samples of milk and meat products are also being tested by the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Land Administration.
The MECs for Health and Social Services, Local Government and Housing and Agriculture and Land Administration, the Executive Mayor of Nkangala District together with the Ministers of Health and Water Affairs and Forestry have taken responsibility for resolving this matter in the long term.
The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry will, over the next four weeks, be inspecting all municipalities across the country where there may be concerns relating to treatment of sewage and water. Where necessary, corrective action and interventions will be implemented.
The MECs for Health and Social Services, Local Government and Housing and Agriculture and Land Administration, the Executive Mayor of Nkangala District together with the Ministers of Health and Water Affairs and Forestry have pledged that a detailed investigation will be conducted into the causes of the contamination in Delmas. Appropriate corrective action will be taken on the basis of this report. Investigations are also underway to ensure the long term water security of Delmas.
Enquiries: Fanyana Mntambo (Deputy Regional Director (O&M)) @ 083 628 7614 and Lebona Mosia (Mpumalanga Government Spokesperson) @ 082 561 6465