Informal settlements near Vanderbijlpark, Vaal

by GENEVIEVE KGAFE-MASHAMBA
VANDERBIJLPARK, (Gauteng Guardian) – RESIDENTS at informal settlements near the Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal Dam area fear contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) as a result of the inconsistent supply of water.

The informal dwellers raised concern they were going for days without water but when supplies of the precious liquid were restored, it was contaminated.

Fears emanate from supplies of clean water being crucial in fighting the spread of the disease.

Health experts recommend regular washing of hands with soap under running water.

Residents’ fears are exacerbated by reports the Emfuleni Municipality plans to move them to another informal settlement.

It is believed the area earmarked for their resettlement has no water and sanitation facilities as well as electricity.

While South Africa’s response to the COVID-19 has been commendable compared to some of the worst affected countries abroad, the shortage of clean water and sanitation in townships and informal
settlements are threatening to derail this progress.

The country is on a 35-day lockdown, lapsing at the end of April, to combat the spread of the virus.

South Africa recorded 48 deaths from a total 2,605 cases of infections at the time of publication.