BRONKHORSTSPRUIT, TSHWANE — Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Dr. Nasiphi Moya, provided a comprehensive update on the rehabilitation of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works, confirming that while the facility has been partially recommissioned, the water remains unsafe for human consumption. Addressing the media at the plant, Dr. Moya outlined the ongoing decontamination efforts led by Rand Water and announced the launch of a broader independent forensic investigation into the systemic failures that caused the crisis.
Rehabilitation Progress and Technical Interventions
Over the past three weeks, residents in Region 7 and surrounding communities have experienced prolonged water disruptions and significant hardship. Dr. Moya noted that the over-60-year-old plant has suffered from decades of underinvestment and inadequate maintenance budgets.
To address the crisis, the city formally appointed Rand Water as the implementing agent on October 21. Rand Water mobilized a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and operational specialists to work alongside municipal technical personnel.
Sing, a representative from Rand Water, explained that the current phase involves extensive decontamination. This process includes shock-treating the water and the plant by dosing high levels of chlorine and leaving it in place for at least 24 hours to eliminate biochemical contaminants.
Technical teams have successfully cleaned treatment infrastructure, removed extensive sludge accumulation from clear water tanks, dissolved air flotation units, and filters, and repaired critical equipment. Phase two of the treatment works was commissioned for flushing and disinfection on October 28, followed by further shock chlorination on October 29. On November 2 at 2:30 PM, the plant was recommissioned to supply treated water to the Ekandustria reservoirs.
Additionally, cleaning has been completed at the Ztobeni reservoirs, which have capacities of 30 million and 15 million liters, and the Ekandustria reservoir system, comprising reservoirs of 11.5 million and 13.5 million liters. Sing noted that the reservoirs are currently filling, sitting at approximately 37% and 21% capacity in Ztobeni and Ekandustria, respectively. Technicians are currently dosing the reservoirs with five drums of HTH to soak and decontaminate the walls.
Strict Water Safety Warnings
Despite the visible progress, water quality testing has identified low levels of E. coli, which is linked to the gastrointestinal illnesses detected in the region.
Dr. Moya and Sing issued a strict warning to residents not to consume tap water, even if it appears clear. Sing addressed circulating videos showing clear water flowing from reservoir scours, clarifying that while the water may look visually clean, invisible pathogens and biochemical contaminants remain. The water must be treated as contaminated until laboratory verification confirms it is safe.
Once the 24-hour decontamination in the reservoirs is complete and laboratory results from Jobec return clear, the next step will involve flushing the bulk water system. This requires opening all available scours and drains to remove debris from pipelines that previously handled contaminated water.
Following the bulk system flush, residents will be instructed to run their own taps to clear their internal plumbing. Sing noted that residents will be billed for this water, as their meters will be running, and scientists will advise on whether the water is safe to drink immediately or requires further settling.
Accountability and Forensic Investigation
Addressing the root causes of the crisis, Dr. Moya detailed the outcomes of a preliminary investigation initiated by the chief operations officer. The report identified serious shortcomings by the plant manager, including inadequate monitoring of chlorine stock levels, ineffective inventory controls, and a failure to proactively manage operational risks. The report found that the impending depletion of chlorine was not formally reported to senior management, preventing timely intervention and the issuance of public health warnings. Consequently, the plant manager has been placed on precautionary suspension.
However, Dr. Moya expressed serious dissatisfaction with the limited scope of this preliminary report. She emphasized that a plant manager does not independently control the city’s procurement and supply chain systems.
“I directed that a broader independent forensic investigation be commissioned,” Dr. Moya stated. She confirmed that the city’s chief audit executive has formally registered the investigation and appointed an independent external investigator. The probe will examine procurement, supply chain, operational management, and administrative oversight across the city to identify systemic weaknesses.
Dr. Moya implored the city manager to advance this process irrespective of the changes in political leadership following the local government elections on November 4, stressing that establishing accountability is an institutional obligation.
Community Cooperation
Concluding the briefing, Dr. Moya thanked the residents of Region 7 for their patience. She specifically acknowledged the cooperation of regional leaders, including ward counselors, ward committee members, and the pastors forum, for their critical role in disseminating accurate information and helping to manage community tensions during the prolonged disruption. The city confirmed that the rehabilitation program and public health monitoring will continue until safe drinking water is fully restored and verified.
