The cholera epidemic, which was already affecting countries in southern Africa swept away at the start of the year by cyclone Freddy, such as Mozambique and Malawi, is now also spreading in South Africa.
Since cholera took hold in Hammanskraal north of Pretoria in South Africa, all eyes have been on the health infrastructure. The disease, which is transmitted in particular via contaminated water, has highlighted the dilapidation of the sewage network within this township.
>> South Africa: why the “oldest tombs in the world” are controversial
Pending the results of an investigation by the Ministry of Water to establish the exact cause of the epidemic, a field hospital has been set up to relieve the public hospital. Rapid access to care is essential. The disease causes severe dehydration. “I was called to tell me that my aunt was in the hospital with stomach pain and diarrhoea, says Tumelo, 67. The next day we were told that she had passed away. The situation is dark and sad. We are really very angry, because the authorities waited for people to die to act.”
40% of wastewater treatment plants in critical condition
For years, the community of Hammanskraal has been warning about the poor quality of water in the township. In particular, the local wastewater treatment plant, which dates from the 1970s and would need serious renovations. A contract had been awarded by the municipality, but the work was never completed, again highlighting the mismanagement of public funds and suspicions of corruption.
But beyond Hammanskraal, the whole country is affected. According to a government study, nearly 40% of municipal wastewater treatment plants are in critical condition. Traveling to the scene last week, the President of the Republic of South Africa saw the extent of the problem. “The state of this plant does not really give confidence in the quality of the water treatment that takes place heresaid Cyril Ramaphosa. Water is the responsibility of local communities, which have not done what they should have done. That’s why we are here today.”
>> Consequence of wars, poverty… and climate change: cholera is making a comeback on practically all continents
But apart from this presidential observation, the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party, and the opposition, the Democratic Alliance, pass the buck on this issue. They have been successively at the head of the municipality for the past ten years.
The problem is also representative of the general state of public infrastructure. During his meeting with the inhabitants, Cyril Ramaphosa encouraged them to boil the tap water. Residents of Hammanskraal replied: “With what electricity? Since the national supplier is also on the verge of collapse!?”