Otjozondjupa Health Director Gerbhado Timotheus has expressed concern over the increase in cholera cases at Grootfontein, with 22 positive cases confirmed.

The 22 cases stem from 83 samples tested, with 40 testing negative and the rest remaining pending.

"So far, we have not reported any deaths, which is actually good news. We are having two admissions. One is positive, and one is a suspect. We are still waiting for the results of suspect one. However, I'm concerned about the escalation of confirmed cases. But nevertheless, despite my concern, as a region and as a district, we are making good progress, because yesterday, I visited the Kaap en Bou location where these cases came from," said Timotheus.

The first positive case was reported last year in November at the Kaap en Bou informal settlement.

Timotheus said staff members and community health workers have been hard at work, educating the residents of Kaap en Bou and Blikkiesdorp on preventative measures.

Timotheus expressed his admiration for the work done by the municipality of Grootfontein. "They have already started laying water pipes. The municipality of Grootfontein has established multiple water points.  I'm referring to 10,000 litres of water that is put up in the community. This was done by the municipality together with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Division of Rural Water Supply.  I have tested myself. I was there; I opened the tanks, and the water is running. The communities are happy."

Timotheus, however, said the ministry is also faced with challenges in setting up a treatment centre. 

"But I must express that I'm happy we have good support from the Ministry of Defence. So far, we have received three tents that we need to put up. We are going to set up the treatment area in the hospital. It's already identified. The Ministry of Works was already here. They have indicated where the services are, especially the water, the sewer, and electricity. So now what we need to do as a ministry is clear the area. I was informed that the clearance of the area will be done on Monday, which is next week." 

He assured that none of the health workers contracted cholera since its detection last year.