In last week’s edition, the Herald reported on the planned project and the impact that an engineering project of that scale could have on the surrounding critically endangered grasslands.

In a statement issued in response to the Herald’s questions, Yolande Nel, Lepelle Northern Water media liaison, states that this estimated R500 million project will refurbish and upgrade the Ebenezer Water Treatment Works to increase its design capacity to 89Ml/d and all related infrastructure to accommodate the upgrade including a high lift pump station, pipelines, and associated reservoirs.

“The route will run along the boundary of the plantation, not affect the graves, and away from the grasslands. The grasslands will not be touched,” Nel stated. “The environmental management programme (EMPr) will guide on how to protect the grasslands from the likes of dust or contamination emanating from construction activities.

Also read: ‘Save our grasslands’

All parties such as the contractor, engineer, and the environmental control officer (ECO) will collectively ensure that no detrimental action is allowed on the grasslands. “As part of the EMPr it will be stipulated that sanctions or penalties will be subjected to the contractor for noncompliance.

The engineer’s supervision team will ensure constant monitoring, and the contractor’s safety, health, environment, and quality officials will ensure that all works consider provisions of EMPr. The ECO will audit the site for compliance on a monthly basis. “We are currently finalising the environmental management plan reports.

Our social facilitator and surveyors are currently engaging with Greater Tzaneen and Mopani District municipalities and landowners for various consent letters. Public participation will happen after the final determination of the affected parties or landowners. “Further, members of the public are encouraged to engage with the service providers and officials for clarity. Detailed technical reports are available upon request and will be presented during the public participation engagements,” Nel’s statement concludes.