VEREENIGING. – Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu officially commissioned Phase 1 of the newly built 150 million litres per day Section 5A purification plant in Vereeniging. Mchunu was accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo.
The plant, situated at the Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Works, is set to benefit all municipalities serviced by Rand Water.
In his address, Mchunu commended Rand Water. “Whether it be in terms of actual water supply or the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure, Rand Water has continued to ensure that it keeps its eye on the mandate,” Mchunu said, adding that the commission demonstrates that the Department is serious about water infrastructure.
“The department’s mandate is to ensure access to clean, drinking water and to manage water resources; however, one cannot have access to water without the infrastructure.”
Mchunu led a delegation on an oversight visit to Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) and Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) on Tuesday, August 29.
The oversight aimed to detail the Section 63 intervention projects aimed at addressing sewer spillages.
During the visit, Mchunu pointed out that the infrastructure in the Vaal has aged significantly, adding that the problem was not immediately addressed with upgrades and refurbishments.
“The consequence of this is that the pipes could no longer hold, including other infrastructure such as pump stations and waste treatment plants.”
Mchunu said that after being informed by Rand Water that a lot of progress had been made, he had to come and verify that progress had been made.
According to the department, the aim of the Station 5 purification plant is to provide 1,200 million litres of potable water to its customers per day. ”
Station 5A will provide 600 million litres a day, with phase 1 already adding on 150 million litres a day,” as stated by the department.
