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 As the City of Tshwane continues its efforts to restore safe drinking water to communities affected by the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis, I wish to confirm further steps being taken to ensure accountability for the failures that contributed to this situation.

Earlier this week, the Chief Operations Officer (COO) was tasked with conducting a preliminary investigation into the interruption of chlorine supplies at the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works, including the failure to escalate the associated risks and warn affected residents timeously.

The preliminary investigation has made progress and has resulted in the suspension of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works plant manager, pending further investigation.

I have further directed that an independent external investigation be commissioned to establish the full circumstances surrounding these failures, identify any further administrative shortcomings and determine where responsibility lies.

This investigation must examine the relevant procurement, operational, management and communication processes, including whether appropriate controls and escalation procedures were followed.

The City will also cooperate with any investigations with any and all government agencies in pursuit of accountability.

As Executive Mayor, I have accepted overall political responsibility for the City’s response to this crisis. However, political accountability must be accompanied by administrative accountability, particularly where the health and safety of residents are concerned.

Residents deserve to know not only what went wrong, but that there will be consequences where negligence or misconduct is established. They must also have confidence that the City is taking the necessary steps to prevent similar failures in future.

While these investigations proceed, our immediate priority remains protecting affected communities, maintaining safe alternative water supplies and accelerating the rehabilitation of the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works with Rand Water.

Accountability must lead to consequences where warranted, but also to lasting improvements in how the City operates and protects its residents.

Issued by City of Tshwane