URGENT ACTION REQUIRED: DA Calls for Regular Water Testing in Limpopo Schools to Protect Learner Health

Jacques Smalle, MPL and DA Limpopo Spokesperson on Education

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo is sounding the alarm on the critical issue of water quality in schools across the province. Citing alarming statistics from a recent School Water Quality Testing Project by WaterCAN, the DA is urging Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, to take immediate and proactive measures to ensure the safety of drinking water for learners.

The WaterCAN project revealed that a staggering 43% of water samples tested from schools were found to be unsafe for human consumption. Furthermore, 23% of taps showed contamination, 73% of water tanks showed bacterial contamination, and 66% of river sources showed bacterial contamination.

These findings are a stark reminder of the need for regular water testing and monitoring in schools to prevent water-borne illnesses and ensure a safe learning environment.

"We are no less than appalling," said Jacques Smalle, MPL and DA Limpopo Spokesperson on Education. "The DA is calling on MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya to take urgent action to address this issue and ensure that learners in Limpopo have access to clean and safe drinking water. The health and well-being of our learners depend on it."

The DA's call for regular water testing is not only a matter of urgency but also a matter of necessity. The bilharzia outbreak that affected many learners in Limpopo last year is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglecting water quality in schools.

The department's failure to ensure safe drinking water for learners is a clear dereliction of duty and a breach of the government's responsibility to protect the health and well-being of citizens. "The regular monitoring of water quality is essential to creating a safe learning environment where learners can thrive academically," Smalle added. "The DA will continue to monitor the progress regarding this issue and ensure that learners in Limpopo receive their education in a safe and dignified environment. We will not rest until this issue is resolved and our learners are protected from the scourge of water-borne illnesses."

The DA's commitment to ensuring learner safety and dignity is clear. The party's call for regular water testing in Limpopo schools is a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal. However, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that have led to this crisis.

The department's collaboration with municipalities is crucial in ensuring that water infrastructure is well-maintained and learners consistently receive clean water. The DA's call for regular water testing is not just about identifying problems but also about finding solutions.

By working together, the department and municipalities can ensure that learners in Limpopo have access to safe drinking water and a healthy learning environment.

The DA's determination to hold the department accountable for ensuring learner safety and dignity is unwavering. The party will continue to monitor the progress regarding this issue and push for action to be taken to address the crisis.