BRONKHORSTSPRUIT, GAUTENG — The City of Tshwane has significantly expanded its water tanker fleet in Bronkhorstspruit to support residents grappling with a severe water contamination crisis. Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed the strategic deployment of 36 municipal tankers following reports of 433 stomach illness cases linked to the local water supply.
While the municipality’s existing city-owned tankers were initially deemed sufficient for basic drinking purposes, the fleet has now been bolstered to 36 units to meet the heightened demand. A structured distribution schedule has been drafted for each section of the affected area. According to Mayor Moya, dedicated water tankers are now stationed at key community facilities, including clinics and schools, supplemented by roaming trucks to ensure broader neighborhood coverage.
To streamline the relief effort, the city is working closely with ward counselors and local coordinators. This collaboration ensures that residents know exactly who to contact if they experience delays or fail to receive their water allocations, creating a clear and accountable communication channel for the community.
Mayor Moya also highlighted growing concerns regarding the unregulated use of private water tankers in the affected areas. Municipal authorities are actively tracking and testing these private suppliers to guarantee water safety and prevent further health risks. Special attention is being directed toward alternative water storage sources, such as JoJo tanks located at local spaza shops, to ensure all accessible water remains safe for consumption.
Acknowledging that the current distribution schedule may require ongoing adjustments, the Mayor noted that recent visual confirmations show the tankers are already operational on the ground. However, the city remains committed to refining the delivery timetable based on real-time needs. If pressure builds in a specific area, the schedule will be immediately improved.
A particular focus is now being placed on creating a flexible delivery schedule using municipal tankers. This adjustment aims to accommodate residents who are at work during standard daytime hours, ensuring that water deliveries can be made around 18:00 when households are more likely to be present to receive and store the supply safely.
