DENOSA Limpopo is concerned about community protest that destroyed water supply to five hospitals in the province. Our country is now facing a potential cholera endemic. 

POLOKWANE – The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) in Limpopo wishes to warn the community of the Thulamela Local Municipality of the potential deadly dangers of shutting down the supply of water from the local dam that  has since stopped water to at least five hospitals, especially when Limpopo is faced with a potential of a cholera outbreak.

Residents of the Thulamela Local Municipality have been complaining of the shortage of water in the area, and demanded that they be supplied with water into their houses and not by water tankers as it has become a norm.

The protesters allegedly shut down the supply of water by local Nandoni Dam in Phiphidi, which stopped the supply of water to Thilidzini, Donald Fraser, Louis Trichardt, Elim and Malamulele hospitals. 

With the province having recorded its first case of cholera, the shortage of water in the area could spell disaster and could well be deadly for many residents should they be infected.

DENOSA appeals the municipality to hasten to supply community with water as a Constitutional right. DENOSA would like to persuade community leaders and residents to desist from destroying water infrastructure as and when they exercise their right to protest. 

The very same community members who are partaking in the protest action, if they were to become unwell and need to be taken to hospital, would need the very same water in a healthcare facility that they have shut down.

Water promotes hygiene and is essential in infection control and management in an area that is hit by a disease outbreak.

End.

Issued by DENOSA in Limpopo.

For more information, contact:

Jacob Molepo, DENOSA Provincial Secretary.

Mobile: 072 576 4979.

Lesiba Monyaki, DENOSA Provincial Chairperson.

Mobile: +27 72 578 2753.