R590-m wastewater plant extension up and running
The Ekurhuleni Metro hosted the official opening of the extension of the Welgedacht Wastewater Works plant on its premises in Welgedacht on Tuesday.
At a cost of R590-million, the plant is capable of processing 50 megalitres per day (Ml/d), split between two modules able to handle 25 Ml/d of water each.
This forms part of the original 35 ML/p plant which serves Bakerton, Petersfield, Slovo Park, Gugulethu Informal Settlement, Daveyton, Kingsway and Brakpan.
Read: R550-million upgrade at ERWAT
The project took four years to complete and the plant, managed by the East Rand Water Care Company (ERWAT), is already running at full capacity.
According to the executive manager of operations at ERWAT, Fortune Mabunda, the planning was extensive as numerous environmental and hydrology quality impact studies had to be conducted as the final effluent of the plant runs into the Blesbokspruit.
“It is our responsibility to make sure that we do not pollute the area so that the spruit can uphold its status as a conserved wetland Ramsar site,” he says.
Read: Shocking discovery by ERWAT workers
Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina, gave the keynote address and says the project marks an important demonstration of the success of the investment.
“Water recycling and treatment is one crucial intervention, therefore, we have to continue to support any investment in water harvesting and treatment infrastructure,” he says.
He also pointed out that 203 local residents were trained in basic skills during the project.
Masina says: “It is our commitment to ensure that we maintain our water quality which has in the past consistently met the SANS 241 standards, thereby maintaining our Platinum Blue Drop award status which is an indication that the Department of Water Affairs is satisfied with the quality and operations systems of our water.”
Lastly, he expressed the importance of improving public education about the national water crisis and its implications in the area.
Author of Africa is Open for Business, Victor Kgomoeswana, was the guest speaker at the event, and emphasised the importance of viewing Africa as a continent rather than focusing on South Africa alone.
“We need to export our technology and share our vision with other African countries, while at the same time inviting their expertise,” Kgomoeswana says.
He see our country as a continent of opportunity and maintains that growth will only be possible if everyone stands together.
