Residents of Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, continue to face a severe water crisis despite repeated government interventions over the past two decades. The problem stems largely from the failed Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant, which has polluted the Apies River, leaving the township without reliable access to safe drinking water. Inadequate infrastructure has compounded the issue, forcing communities to depend on water tankers for daily needs.
Locals say the tanker system is deeply unreliable, often leaving households without water for extended periods. The crisis has persisted for nearly 20 years, raising questions about accountability and the effectiveness of municipal and national efforts to resolve the problem.
For South Africans, Hammanskraals plight is a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing water security in the country. With climate pressures and infrastructure failures affecting multiple regions, the situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable investment in water treatment and distribution systems. Hammanskraal residents, meanwhile, continue to call for lasting solutions to ensure access to clean, safe water - a basic constitutional right.
