Angry residents of Seshego say the urine-like water is the root cause of the health complications. (Photo: Moyahabo Mabeba)
Moyahabo Mabeba
Disgruntled residents of Seshego township outside Polokwane in Limpopo say they are inundated with severe health hazards in recent weeks.
The largest township in the province has been plagued by waterborne diseases, reportedly as a result of contaminated water provided by the Polokwane municipality.
Despite the affluent municipality being on the verge of being elevated to the metropolitan status, Polokwane has been devilled chronic water crisis, placing scores of residents on the potential risk of a full-blown cholera outbreak.
The past few weeks have been marked by cases of diarrhea reported in various parts of the township.
Residents say they are still reeling from the outbreak of gastroenteritis that almost marred the festive season.
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections from contaminated water.
Nthabiseng Morudu (32), whose home is situated a stone’s throw from the Seshego hospital, says she underestimated the severity of the brownish tap water.
Not only did she consume the tainted water, but she also prepared formula milk for her newborn baby.
After four days of sucking the contaminated milk, the one-month old baby daughter and the entire family started vomiting and experiencing abdominal pains. On Christmas day, baby Phodisho died before her mom could take her to the hospital.
“When this water suddenly changed its colour to brown, we thought boiling it first was the best remedial measure. Unfortunately, we were naive. The water was deadly. People in the neighbourhood encouraged us to refrain from consuming it, but we had no other alternative but to continue drinking it. Social media platforms were flooded with stories of people who were suffering from waterborne illnesses. My family was not spared, and the unfortunate casualty was my newborn baby. She is now gone, yet the water problem still continues while the municipality is doing nothing,” says the dejected mother of three.
Zone 2 resident, Elizabeth Masnamle (51) says she unknowingly consumed contaminated water, resulting in symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
“My family was among the many affected households that have been consuming contaminated water, unaware of the underlying health issues that lie ahead. One of my children complained about the taste and colour of the water, but I personally didn’t read too much into the danger. The problem ensued on January 14 when I started feeling drowsy and nauseous. I was initially reluctant to visit any public healthcare facility or private medical practitioner. The situation got worse until I decided to go to the clinic, where I was immediately transferred to Seshego hospital. Doctors confirmed that I have gastroenteritis symptoms. Even though I was placed under medical supervision, I still spent several days with a weak immune system as I was constantly vomiting and experiencing abdominal pains. My body was weak as I had lost appetite completely. I’m still taking the medication and will be returning for another checkup on February 26. “My family has stopped consuming tap water, and we have resorted to buying water from retailers. The sad thing is that we still have to deal with a huge water bill at the end of the month, “says Elizabeth.
Hope Mashiane says her neighbourhood at Zone 1 Extention is one of the hardest hit by waterborne diseases.
The outbreak was detected deep in the festive holidays.
“I was the first in my family to experience diarrhea and went to a private doctor for consultation. Three other family members also complained of abdominal cramps and nausea. The situation worsened within a short space of time. Discouraged by the long queues at public healthcare facilities, we opted to buy prescription medications from a local pharmacy. The medicines are expensive, but the situation at home was severe. Now we’re left with no option buy to buy bottled water for household use,” says Mashiane
The provincial Department of Health says it cannot be held accountable for the water problem in Polokwane.
Departmental spokesperson, Neil Shikwambana, says “The Health Department doesn’t supply water. The department treats people of diseases, including water-borne diseases, of course. But by law, it ain’t the accountable department.”
Municipal spokesperson, Thipa Selala says the municipality is trying to find remedial measures to provide residents with clean water.
“The municipality is committed to supply residents basic services, most importantly water. We are appealing to residents who are affected by contaminated water to report their problem to the municipality. We will test the water in our laboratories and take it from there, ” ays Selala.
Community leader, Mpho Boshego has come out guns blazing, accusing the municipality of its constant water crisis.
“We always report incidents linked to wdirty water. Despite the many grievances we report to the municipality, we are always taken for a ride. This municipality is failing dismally in its water provision, and clearly, they don’t have a long-term solution to solve this problem” says Boshego.
Meanwhile Premier Phophi Ramathuba says the provincial government has taken significant steps to address the ongoing water crisis through decisive intervention and strong leadership. Following an urgent meeting of the Polokwane Water War Room convened on February 11, Ramathuba said government has secured a renewed commitment from both the municipality and the LNW Board to collaborate effectively in overcoming the water challenges facing the community.
“We are pleased with the outcome of the meeting which had both parties commit to ensuring that the priority will be to get water to the residents of Polokwane,” Ramathuba said.
Residents say although they often rely on watertankers, their delivery schedule are not consistent. (Photo: Moyahabo Mabeba)
Elizabeth Masanamle says that after consuming contaminated water, she went to Seshego hospital, where it was suffering from waterborne diseases. (Photo: Moyahabo Mabeba)
Nthabiseng Morudu says she first undermined the severity of the brownish tap water until it caused her baby’s death. (Photo: Moyahabo Mabeba)