MEDIA RELEASEMEDIA RELEASE
Department of Health . North West Province 
Tel: (018) 387-5135.   Fax : (018) 387-5322
 
 
 
16 November 2000
 
NO CHOLERA THREAT IN COLIGNY
 
The Department of Health has assured the Coligny community that there is no 
threat of a cholera outbreak in the North West town. However, the department 
viewed the sewage situation in Coligny in a very serious light. 
 
Reports suggest that the two submersible pumps used for pumping sewage into the 
oxidation ponds were not operating properly. They have since been sent for 
repairs. In addition, the process of acquiring a new submersible pump that can 
be used as a standby for use in the event any of the two pumps is broken down is 
at an advanced stage. However, the long-term solution to the sewage problems in 
Coligny is to upgrade the whole sewage system. It is pleasing therefore to note 
that the upgrading of the Coligny Sewage Treatment Works has already been 
approved by the Department of Local Government, Housing, Planning and 
Development.
 
"The Department of Health is concerned about the situation in Coligny, 
especially in view of the health hazard this poses. Whenever problems of this 
nature arise, the Department of Health always takes measures to ensure that the 
health and well-being of our communities are not threatened", said Cornelius 
Monama, spokesperson of the Department of Health in the North West. In order to 
protect the community against the possible outbreak of cholera and to allay 
community fears, the department ensured that water in the Leewfontein Dam, 
Taaibosspruit and Botshabelospruit was tested. The results have shown no signs 
of cholera. 
 
Mr Monama further pointed out that in an effort to help prevent cholera in the 
province, the Department of Health is spearheading a massive health education 
campaign for school pupils on cholera. In addition to the awareness campaign, 
the provincial government, in collaboration with the development sector, is 
embarking on a massive sanitation project in many of our rural villages. Over 
R1.1 million has been spent on the erection of more than 2 000 latrines. The 
government hopes to speed up this programme and extend it to all high-risk areas 
as part of its long-term strategy to prevent cholera and other diseases. We are 
confident that this sanitation project will help address the risk of contracting 
cholera effectively. 
 
 
                                                            END
 
Issued by                               :           Nthabiseng Khasu  
(018-387-5135)
                                    
For further information        :           Cornelius Monama (082 578 4063)
