By Nkosana Khumalo
The City of Tshwane has announced plans to write off over R600 million in historical water debt owed by residents of Hammanskraal. This decision comes in response to longstanding issues with water quality in the area, which have led to residents relying on water tankers for several years.
Deputy Mayor Eugene Modise made the announcement during a meeting with Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance on Wednesday. He acknowledged that the city had failed to provide potable water to Hammanskraal residents, leading to a situation where households refused to pay for water services.
“We had done a disservice to the people of Hammanskraal because of the cholera outbreak, but in the process, the city was billing those residents. We have resolved as the Mayco that we are going to write off that debt,” Modise stated.
The poor quality of water in Hammanskraal has been attributed to delays in upgrading the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant. These delays have resulted in households receiving non-potable water, forcing them to rely on alternative sources.
In 2023, a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, caused by poor water quality, resulted in the deaths of over 30 people. This tragic event highlighted the urgent need for improvements in the area’s water infrastructure.
The decision to write off the historical debt is seen as a step towards addressing the grievances of Hammanskraal residents and restoring trust between the community and the city administration.
The City of Tshwane has also committed to accelerating the upgrades to the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant to ensure that residents receive clean and safe drinking water.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve service delivery and address historical injustices faced by communities like Hammanskraal.
Residents have welcomed the decision, expressing hope that it will lead to tangible improvements in their daily lives.
The city has urged residents to continue conserving water and to report any issues with water quality to the relevant authorities.
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