Private water tanker operators distributing water to communities affected by the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis could be ordered to stop operating if they fail to obtain authorisation from the City of Tshwane.
The warning comes as the municipality moves to tighten controls over emergency water distribution, amid concerns about ensuring the safety and quality of drinking water supplied to affected residents.
Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya announced on Monday that all independent water tanker operators wishing to assist communities must undergo municipal verification and water-quality testing before distributing water.
“Operators are requested to present their vehicles at the Commando Building, situated at the corner of Lanham Street and Commando Street in Bronkhorstspruit, where municipal Environmental Health Practitioners will conduct the necessary inspections and tests,” Dr Moya said.
She added that while the municipality welcomed assistance from private-sector partners during the water crisis, the safety of residents remained a priority.
“Independent operators are required to comply with the same water-quality and safety standards applicable to municipal tankers and contracted service providers,” she said.
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has also been roped in to enforce compliance, with officers expected to conduct checks to identify operators distributing water without municipal approval.
“Operators distributing water without authorisation will be required to cease operations until they have completed the verification process, in accordance with applicable enforcement procedures,” Dr Moya mentioned.
However, the municipality stressed that the verification process was purely precautionary and should not be interpreted as evidence that privately distributed water had been contaminated.
The measures are intended to maintain consistent safety standards across all water distribution operations during the emergency.
Meanwhile, residents have been warned against collecting or consuming untreated water from rivers, dams and other unverified sources.
The City cautioned that such water could contain harmful contaminants and pose serious health risks.
Residents have instead been urged to obtain drinking water exclusively from authorised municipal tankers or other sources confirmed to be safe for human consumption.
The municipality has appealed to private operators to cooperate with the verification process to prevent disruptions to emergency water deliveries.
“The City thanks all private-sector partners for their assistance and encourages independent operators to cooperate with these requirements to ensure that residents continue receiving safe drinking water,” Dr Moya said.