Water summit on its way
Negotiations are underway with the management of Highveld Industrial Park
A water summit is on its way.
Emalahleni Local Municipality needs residents to come onboard with ideas on how to tackle the water problem the municipality is facing.
Not a day goes by that a suburb does not have water.
Even with two mine water reclamation schemes, one by Anglo American Corporation providing water in the greater Emalahleni and Glencore scheme providing water in Phola and Ogies, there just is not enough to meet the demand.
In respect of the Doornpoort water supply, Eskom has donated Doornpoort Dam to the municipality – this dam can safely produce 10 mega litres per day.
Developments are at an advanced stage in terms of finalising all the compliance and technical requirements.
The Highveld water supply scheme in the strategic development areas of Empumelelweni, Siyanqoba and Kwaguqa receive mainly a portable water supply, hence the consistent supply interruptions.
The solution is to construct a water purification plant in close proximity to Highveld Industrial Park, which will be beneficial to the above mentioned communities and businesses.
Negotiations are underway with the management of Highveld Industrial Park.
During her State of the Municipality Address the Executive Mayor of Emalahleni, Cllr Linah Malatjie said they are looking at an initiative whereby high water users, such as industries, are being engaged to switch over from utilizing potable water for their processes.
This exercise is expected to provide a relief in unlocking more potable water to be redirected to residential development for consumption.
The municipality has applied for an increased raw water obstruction permit from the Witbank Dam to the Department of Water and Sanitation, to meet both current and future demand.
“First fix all the leaks and embark on an aggressive water distribution loss reduction program. Stop approving plans to build houses when our water system can not handle the demand,” a very disgruntled group of citizens said who attended a community meeting after being without water for more than a week.There is no quick fix to save eMalahleni, but try to turn the tide and make us, the resident, more positive and accept our hand when we offer to help with our knowledge and experience,” said a resident Mr Danie Erasmus.
Mr Themba Khumalo, from the Department of Water and Sanitation, said they will also give input into the summit and will respond in due time.
