Tshwane temporarily shuts down north treatment plant due to poor water quality
The Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant was also affected by the power interruption for a particular period and is discharging untreated effluent into the Apies River which feeds the Leeukraal Dam.
The Tshwane metro has temporarily shut down the Temba Water Treatment Plant (TWTP) that supplies water to Hammanskraal and surrounding areas, due to water quality challenges from the Leeukraal Dam.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said these challenges are related to last week’s power supply interruption following a fire that broke out at the Pyramid substation.
“The substation supplies power to the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant which was also affected by the interruption for a particular period before being back-fed.
“As a result, the plant is currently discharging untreated effluent into the Apies River which feeds the Leeukraal Dam.”
He said since the incident, the TWTP has had to reduce pumping capacity which is now unsustainable.
According to Mashigo, pumping has now been shut down to avoid supplying poor water quality to consumers.
“The city will provide roaming water tankers to residents until the situation normalises.
Residents will be kept updated as and when there are new developments.
“The city apologises for the inconvenience that may arise as a result of this unplanned interruption,” said Mashigo.
ALSO READ: Councillor calls on residents to join fight against illegal dumping
Previously, Tshwane pleaded with residents in the north of Pretoria to use water wisely.
The metro has now shut down TWTP for four weeks after it was initially closed following a technical fault at the plant.
Mashigo warned that should the residents not heed the call, a water supply interruption may occur in Pretoria’s northern parts.
The metro also reaffirmed its commitment to delivering clean water to Hammanskraal by September this year despite controversies surrounding the Rooiwal project, including the suspension of five senior officials implicated in the R295-million tender award.
“There are significant strides made in upgrading the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant, with a new professional service provider appointed, setting the stage for substantial work to be completed by 2026,” said acting Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
