The Department of Water and Sanitation, alongside the Vaalharts
Water Users Association, has issued a stern warning to communities living near
water canals, urging them to avoid swimming or engaging in any recreational
activities in these moving bodies of water due to the high risk of drowning.
The warning comes in the wake of a tragic incident involving a 13-year-old boy
from Bonita Park, an informal settlement along the Vaalharts Main Canal in
Hartswater, Phokwane Local Municipality. The incident occurred on the 15th
October 2024, when the boy disappeared under the water while swimming in the
canal. The South African Police Services have been alerted and efforts to
recover his body are ongoing. Department of Water and Sanitation’s spokes
person, Wisane Mavasa, elaborates…
(Insert)-----Drowning _ Ms. Mavasa----
The Vaalharts Water Users Association, which manages the
canal, has been working closely with the local municipality, the boy’s family,
and community members to assist during this difficult time. Authorities are
urging parents to keep their children away from running water, emphasizing the
serious dangers it poses. This canal is part of the Vaalharts Water Scheme,
which features over 1,200 km of canals and is managed by the Water Users
Association. Drowning incidents tend to increase during the summer months when
rising temperatures prompt community members to seek relief in bodies of water
like canals, rivers, and dams. The department is appealing to the public to
refrain from swimming or fishing in these areas, as they pose significant risks
to their safety.
To help prevent such tragedies, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Vaalhartz Water Users Association have placed warning signs along the canal and regularly conduct public education campaigns on water safety. These efforts include awareness programs as well as collaboration with local municipalities. The Water Users Association also trains local volunteers in lifesaving techniques and provides essential life-saving equipment, empowering communities to respond effectively in emergencies.
Journalist: Zizipho Moni
Email: zamamoni04@gmail.com