Poison detected in Eastern Cape water reservoir, fingers point to protesters

Lab results have confirmed that a water reservoir in the Eastern Cape has been poisoned, with officials blaming protesting residents for the nefarious contamination.

Following the findings, which were overseen by health specialists in conjunction with the local department, Ntabankulu municipality resolved to close the reservoir indefinitely, in the hopes of mitigating serious health risks.

Land claim dispute sparks destructive protests

In recent weeks, the municipality has been marred by vicious protests stemming from a contentious land claim and subsequent demolition project. Disgruntled residents argue that they were not consulted and were, instead, greeted by police and municipal demolition teams. Speaking to SABC News, community leader, Mthokozisi Feketa, confirmed that the ‘unjust’ demolitions took place last week Wednesday.

Ntabankulu Municipal Mayor, Tsileng Sobuthongo, countered, adding that the community had been made aware of the complex land issues and, furthermore, had been notified of the legal status of the plots in question. Sobuthongo explained:

“The [land claim] matter is still before the court. The judgement of the court was that the land was not to be used by anyway, whether it’s the municipality, whether the claimant of the land or anyone else.”

Therefore, there was a court order to demolish those structures – after that, there was a protest by community members. There is no electricity – the transformers were burnt down. There is also this challenge with the water.”

Water supply poisoned, protesters blamed

While the protesters are being blamed for the water poisoning, which, thankfully, has not yet caused serious health issues in the surrounds, Feketa has vehemently refuted the allegations, saying:

“We heard about water poisoning but we don’t know about that. We are still waiting for law enforcement agencies to investigate that. If anyone is responsible for the water poisoning, they must be arrested.”

The interrupted water supply, as a result of the reservoir’s closure, has impacted many communities in and around the Ntabankulu municipality. Contingency plans, including supplying water via transport trucks to outlying settlements, have been implemented.

No criminal case has yet been opened, hence, no arrests have been made. Sobuthongo praised the efforts of health officials for their early detection of the water contamination which, in all likelihood, saved the lives of community members.

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