Weskus Distrik’s Director of Community Services Wilhelm Markus manages an extensive portfolio, with water safety forming a very important function.
One of Weskus Distrik’s functions as a district municipality involves the bulk supply of water to local municipalities, and they do an admirable job in ensuring the quality of our water. The Community Services team is responsible for helping associated local municipalities to manage the safety of water in their regions.
WaterCAN, an OUTA initiative, reported that 46% of South Africa’s drinking water systems do not comply with microbiological standards. What this means is that you should not be drinking this water without boiling or treating it. The Department of Water and Sanitation should be applauded for reporting this disturbing fact, but more concerning is that the municipalities involved failed to communicate the risk to their communities and provide guidance on how to render the water safe for drinking.
Of interest is that none of the defaulting municipalities are found in the Western Cape.
“Officials of our Community Service team regularly test the water quality of the region’s local municipalities. Contamination can come from various sources, but preventative measures must be evident and proven, and planned monitoring must take place. In the event of contamination being found, the community must be advised immediately, along with guidance on how to make their water safe for use”.
“It would be tempting to pat ourselves on the back, but we are simply doing our jobs well. Article 24(a) of the Constitution of South Africa clearly states that everyone has a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Municipal Health consists of several essential elements, among others: Water quality monitoring; sanitation; food safety, and the control of communicable diseases. Environmental health is the first line of defence against disease, particularly preventable disease”.
Wilhelm Markus
Director: Community Services
Weskus Distrik.
10177 (022) 433 8700
Is the Emergency number for the Fire and Medical Services within the West Coast District.
Is die Noodnommer vir die Brandweer- en Mediesedienste binne die Weskus Distrik.
