Part of the James Kleynhans water treatment works in Makhanda, has been undergoing an upgrade since 2015.
The deadline for completion of the James Kleynhans water treatment works upgrade in Makhanda has been missed for the second time this year.
Amatola Water, which is undertaking the upgrade, had an initial completion deadline for April, but then extended it to June. As implementing agent, it appointed a new contractor, Water and Wastewater Technology SA, in November last year.
Makhanda has been experiencing water shortages since 2012, and the Department of Water and Sanitation approved the James Kleynhans upgrade in 2015, with a 2018 completion date, which has now been extended for almost six years.
Amatola Water spokesperson Amanda Skritch on Tuesday said they were “currently on the tail end of phase 2” of the upgrade, which involved testing various components.
“Full commissioning for the increased capacity from 10ML/day to 20ML/day will be released on 16 July 2024,” said Skritch.
Makana Citizens Front (MCF) councillor Philip Machanick on Tuesday said the party had been pushing Parliament and the minister of water and sanitation to demand a forensic audit of Amatola Water’s award and management of the James Kleynhans contracts.
Makana municipality spokesperson Anele Mjekula said all questions should be sent to Amatola Water.
The James Kleynhans water treatment works is the larger of two water treatment works supplying drinking water to Makhanda, and draws water from the Glen Melville Dam which is supplied from the Gariep Dam via the Orange-Fish tunnel.
The 8-million litre per day Waainek water treatment works extracts water from rainwater-dependent dams on the west of the town, and supplies the western part of Makhanda, including the university, hospital, prison, and private schools.
The two systems are interconnected to allow transfer of water to meet the current daily demand of 16 – 18-million litres.
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kazami of truth
Fun South African Fact: The South African flag was used for the first time on Freedom Day 1994.
Skylark
A new teacher enters a classroom full of students.
The teacher stands at the front of the room and greets the students, \”Good morning, class.\”
None of the students say anything. One boy at the back of the classroom stands up, \”Good morning, teacher.\”
Puzzled, the teacher carries on. The following morning, the same thing happens. Day after day goes by, and it\’s the same routine.
One morning after greeting the class and the same student standing and greeting, the teacher has had enough, \”Why is it, that every time I walk in and greet the entire room, only you stand up and greet me?\”
In the most broken English, the boy replies, \”Because I are the only one here, what\’s name are Klass\”