The first phase of the drinking water project for Hammanskraal has been completed, with the first of four modules of the Klipdrift potable water package plant set to increase availability of potable water for parts of the region.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) last year allocated R758-million for the upgrading of the 40 Ml/d Klipdrift water treatment plant to address water supply and quality challenges in Hammanskraal through the construction of a package plant to provide additional water into the existing bulk water infrastructure.

The potable water treatment plant project, undertaken by Magalies Water as an implementing agent, which also manages the water treatment plant, is being implemented in four phases.

Each of the 4 modules is expected to add 12.5 Ml capacity of water a day, and the currently completed module will supply residents of Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens, Kudube Unit 9 and Babelegi Industria, as well as parts of Mandela Village and Bridgeview informal settlement.

Once all 4 modules are concluded, it will add a total of 50 Ml of treated water into the existing 42 Ml capacity Klipdrift water treatment works.

However, while Phase 1 is completed, with 12.5 Ml of treated water available, further testing is being conducted by the City of Tshwane to ascertain that the water that passes the reticulation system is of good quality and meets the standard as required by the law.

This includes flushing and backflushing of the pipes to remove all unnecessary dirt on the reticulation pipeline.

According to Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, contamination of the water coming from the new plant along the reticulation pipeline was detected, owing to the linked pipeline system from the Temba water treatment plant and illegal connections.

This has resulted in water from module 1 needing further analysis and adding to further delays. Further testing of the water will be done by the City of Tshwane, the DWS and Magalies Water to ensure that quality is not compromised.

“Today we want to confirm to you that module 1 is complete. We can confirm that our water is ready to be pumped. However, when dealing with water, you must do all due diligence so that by the time the water comes out in people’s homes it is clean and drinkable. Together with Magalies and the City of Tshwane, we are conducting necessary due diligence,” she explained during an inspection of the project over the weekend.

“We have not reneged, we have done what we were supposed to do, and we will continue to do what is needed. We are committed to giving the community of Hammanskraal quality, drinkable water. We do not want to regret anything by rushing out and giving water, we want to ensure that there is no doubt in its quality, which has been one of the biggest concerns in this area,” Majodina commented.

Acting Tshwane Mayor Councillor Eugene Modise said that the City of Tshwane required about two weeks to finalise clearing the reticulation pipeline that will distribute the water to the residents.

Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation co-Deputy Minister David Mahlobo said this was the first time that the technology – potable water package plant – was used on a large scale such as the 50-Ml-a-day capacity plant.

“When it comes to infrastructure rollout in South Africa, we are looking into the possibility of building better, faster and more efficient infrastructure, while taking into account climate change and demand by growing communities.

“What is unique about this intervention is that the source of raw water was already confirmed. The infrastructure was also suitable in that it could absorb the new load and there are already existing reservoirs. Moving forward with this kind of technology saves land space,” he added.

Discussing measures that needed to be taken to curb infrastructure vandalism, co-Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo called on the municipality to work with communities and law enforcement to curb vandalism and to bring to book those who commit malicious damage to water infrastructure.

“Vandalism is costing millions [particularly to metropolitan municipalities] to replace cables, more often than not. There needs to be engagement with the South African Police Service,” he concluded.