Thabo Mopasi, secretary general of the Alexandra Water and Sanitation Forum, talks about cholera outbreaks in townships like Alexandra and how people there are more susceptible to illnesses like Cholera because they live in s

Following the baptismal ceremony in the infamous Juskei River, about three confirmed cholera cases have been reported in Alexandra.

Thabo Mopasi, secretary general of the Alexandra Water and Sanitation Forum, talks about cholera outbreaks in townships like Alexandra and how people there are more susceptible to illnesses like Cholera because they live in squalor.

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Three persons contracted Cholera shortly after the baptismal ceremony, which took place in the Juskei River, which flows through the community of Alexandra, in late March.

All of these cases were reported in Gauteng in February when there were ten confirmed Cholera cases and one death in what appears to be an outbreak. Cholera is a bacterial disease that typically spreads through water and causes severe diarrhea and dehydration.

If it is not treated quickly, it can be fatal. Another issue that could result in Cholera in Alex is population. According to Mopasi, one of the problems in Alexandra is that more than 900 000 people live there. However, only roughly 60 000 people should be allowed on the land.

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This encourages people to build over everything, even storm drains, and sewers. "In Juskei River, faeces run through daily, so when there's a baptismal in the river, people consume water full of waste as they get baptized, which may lead to them catching Cholera."

He also explains that closing water sources is another problem that could result in Cholera, as Joburg Water has a history of shutting down water in Alexandra for an extended period.

People are left without water, making them unable to wash their hands. Mopasi further stated that some businesses dispose of chemicals in the neighborhood at night. He also calls for assistance from law firms concerning the issue, as Environment Health has yet to help even after several reports.

Thabo Mopasi further explains how they live in filth and are at risk of contracting Cholera daily in Alex.