Media statement 14 August 2024
Cllr Themba Fosi
MMC for Utilities and Regional Operations and Coordination
The City of Tshwane would like to provide a progress update on two critical projects aimed at improving water supply to our residents in Hammanskraal, namely Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant and Magalies Water Package Plant that is meant to provide tap water as an interim measure while Rooiwal upgrades are underway.
Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant progress
The Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant upgrade is a key project in the City’s commitment to providing clean potable water to our residents. Construction has officially commenced, marking a significant step towards the City’s efforts to enhance the plant’s waste water treatment capacity.
To date, substantial progress has been made across various components of the project. The installation of the Clear Vu fence at both the north and east works is nearly complete, with 93% and 100% installed, respectively. Key mechanical and electrical repairs are underway, including the completion of blowers and belt press installations.
Over the next three months, we anticipate advancing 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 at Rooiwal West Works.
Our teams are also focused on accelerating milestones to ensure timely completion, with additional resources being mobilised to fast-track cleaning and repairs.
The City is working in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation, the National Treasury and the Development Bank of Southern Africa, as the managing agent, in a collaborative effort to accelerate solutions to Hammanskraal’s water challenges.
Magalies Water Package Plant
While construction work is underway at Rooiwal, the City recognises that residents want water from their taps and not from water tankers. Therefore, as an interim measure, the City has partnered with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation to deliver potable tap water to affected Hammanskraal areas.
As part of this intervention, the City has audited 37 620 households, with 23 616 water meters confirmed to be in good working condition. However, about 14 004 meters will be replaced between September and November 2024. This is a critical step in preparing for the supply of clean potable water from Magalies Water Package Plant to Hammanskraal residents, starting in September 2024.
The City has also taken a decision to write off historic debt associated with the audited meters, giving residents an opportunity to start afresh with new potable tap water available in their homes.
Community imbizo
To further engage with our residents and provide detailed updates, we will hold an imbizo on 17 August 2024. The Executive Mayor, Ald Cilliers Brink, the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Nasiphi Moya, Speaker of Council, Cllr Mncedi Ndzwanana along with myself as the MMC tasked with leading the department responsible for water services, will lead the City’s delegation and engage the community on the progress we are making.
The imbizo will provide information on the expected arrival date of clean water in Hammanskraal, starting in September 2024. We invite residents from the three affected wards to join us for this important engagement.
We remain committed to ensuring access to clean water for all residents and we are pleased by the progress made under this administration. Our interventions in Hammanskraal represent the most significant progress made by any administration in the past 20 years.
Enquiries:
Tsebo Majoro