Pretoria – The water in Mahikeng in the North West is safe to consume, says the provincial head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Chadwick Lobakeng.
“We have taken three samples in Mahikeng and upon analysis they were found to be of acceptable standard according to blue drop requirements,” Lobakeng said.
Tests were done at the Midvaal Water Company following media reports that the water in Mahikeng was poisoned by workers from the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation together with the North West provincial government will continue to monitor the status of water in Mahikeng until the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality resumes operations,” Lobakeng said.
The Department of Health had not treated or confirmed any cases relating to water poisoning in recent days.
Department of Water and Sanitation media liaison director Sputnik Ratau said a strike at the Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality had resulted in shortages of water.
“Both the Mahikeng Local Municipality and the Department of Local Government and Human Settlement are considering other ways of providing water to villages around the city,” Ratau said.
Residents who have queries were urged to call the service delivery contact number: 018 388 9000 or dial *120*22334#. – SAnews.gov.za
