Partnership to solve Hammanskraal water challenges yields positive outcomes

Residents of Hammanskraal are set to benefit from a partnership between the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the City of Tshwane, which is expected to result in potable water running by September this year. 

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, joined by Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink, conducted an oversight project inspection of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and Klipdrift Package Plant in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, on Wednesday. 

The inspection come as the department, through its entity, Magalies Water, and the City of Tshwane are working collaboratively to effectively address water challenges affecting most parts of Hammanskraal. 

Speaking during a community imbizo held at Mandela Hall, Mchunu recommitted to oversee the successful refurbishment of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works to enable its performance at optimum capacity, as well as the upgrading of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works. 

“As a Ministry, we made a commitment to ensure the provision of equitable and excellent quality water supply, as well as dignified sanitation for all. Therefore, our visit to Hammanskraal is by no means just for show, nor is it politicking,” Mchunu said. 

The Ministry and the City of Tshwane also informed the community that work is underway to upgrade the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works, which is set to get upgraded from 42 to 92 mega litres per day, to improve the provision and quality of water in parts of Hammanskraal.

“I am pleased to inform you that by September this year, most households will be able to get consistent and reliable water in their homes. This will significantly improve the quality of life for more than 47 000 households and a population of 180 679,” Mchunu said.

Giving an update on the latest progress made towards the refurbishment of Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works, Mchunu reported the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has been appointed as the implementing agent to complete the refurbishment of the plant. 

He said the work to be carried out will include two sub-phases. 

“Phase 1A of the refurbishment is urgent, and a turnkey approach is undertaken to ensure that the necessary works are carried out swiftly and efficiently. This includes both general building and mechanical, and electrical elements that will work together to deliver the upgrades needed to improve the Plant’s capacity and functionality. 

“Phase 1B will follow a conventional approach, which will see the construction of two primary sedimentation tanks, the refurbishment of the east flow balancing tank and pump station, and the upgrading of the anaerobic digesters on the Rooiwal West Works, amongst others,” Mchunu explained. 

The Minister highlighted the socioeconomic benefits that the two projects will bring to the area of Hammanskraal and surrounding areas. 

“We always strive to ensure that projects undertaken by government benefit the local communities. It is anticipated that the upgrade of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant project will create up to 70 jobs for the duration of the project,” Mchunu said. 

Mchunu further reiterated the ministry’s stance of collaborative work to ensure the effective implementation of bulk water and sanitation projects, not only in Hammanskraal but across the country.

He called out people who continue to vandalise infrastructure. 

“We must remember the importance of working together to prevent the reoccurrence of waterborne diseases. Our being here with the City of Tshwane and Magalies Water symbolides our own individual commitment to help the people of Hammamskraal realise their constitutional right of water provision. 

“We also should not be shy to call out those amongst the community who commit the crime of vandalizing the infrastructure that we so much want to see work optimally to serve everyone in our communities,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za