GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Shoprite in Graaff-Reinet has had virtually no running water for over three months.
According to the store's team, they have implemented contingency plans, after a lack of sufficient water supply in the area since October last year. The store has relied mainly on bought-in bottled water to run its daily operations, including for deli, bakery and butchery activities and food preparation.
“If this was reported to the municipality, it would have been investigated and response provided to the complainant,” said Edwardine Abader, acting spokesperson for the municipality.
“It is advised that the businesses submit their complaints or queries to the municipality for investigation,” she added.
The store installed two water tanks in 2018, which are connected to the local municipal line. Should water be available, this is used for general cleaning, sanitation, washing of hands and flushing of toilets.
“Alternatively the store makes use of bulk water deliveries to fill these tanks with non-potable water,” said the spokesperson, adding that when there is no water supply available, the store resorts to using bottled water for these functions as well.
Although this is costly, members of the community are worried about hygiene and sanitation in the store with no running water supply. “Good hygiene is essential when people are preparing food,” said Liz Savage, ward committee member in ward 2 with the health portfolio. She is particularly concerned about the cleanliness of the butchery section.
According to government policies, all food premises should have an adequate supply of water, with hot and cold water for cleaning the facilities.
“Food safety and hygiene levels are not compromised as the requirement is for safe fresh water availability,” explained the Shoprite spokesperson. “We follow good manufacturing procedures, and our hygiene processes are strictly monitored by independent audits.”
The store has also implemented extra hand sanitisers where needed.
'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'
