Tshwane writes off R600m water debt for Hammanskraal residents
The metro is actively working on operational solutions to supply clean, potable water to the area.
The Tshwane metro has written off R600-million in water-related debt, aiming to restore fairness and dignity to the residents of Hammanskraal.
For many years, Hammanskraal residents have been forced to pay for unsafe water, an issue that has plagued the community and led to widespread frustration.
By writing off this debt, the metro acknowledges the unjust burden placed on residents and seeks to provide them with financial relief as part of a broader effort to resolve the water crisis.
“We are committed to ensuring that Hammanskraal residents no longer have to bear the financial strains of unsafe water.
“This is a vital step in our mission to restore dignity and ensure fairness for the people of this region,” said Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya.
Along with the debt write-off, the metro is actively working on operational solutions to supply clean, potable water to the area.
A key development in this regard is the commissioning of the Magalies Water Package Plant, which is central to Tshwane’s efforts to resolve the water crisis in Hammanskraal.
In conclusion, Minister Majodina assured communities that work was still being done and the commitment to delivering safe and steady water delivery remains the departments’ goal.
“We have not reneged, we have done what we were supposed to do, and we will continue to do what is… pic.twitter.com/9qVTkl7O4e
— Water&SanitationRSA (@DWS_RSA) November 18, 2024
Critical steps have already been taken to address the issue, including:
– Installation of valves to separate areas where contaminated water from the Temba Plant was mixing into the Klipdrift Plant.
– Systematic flushing and scouring of pipelines, which has been completed in approximately 80% of the affected areas, leaving only Kekana Gardens still in progress.
– Regular water quality to ensure compliance with SANS 241:2015 standards for safe drinking water.
Moya said the metro has partnered with Magalies Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that progress continues and that regular updates are provided to the community.
“This collaboration is expected to result in long-term solutions that will finally provide the residents of Hammanskraal with clean and safe drinking water.”
Previously, the metro announced that residents in the Babelegi region would be the first group to benefit from the Rooiwal and Klipdrift Waste Water Treatment Works projects aimed at resolving the water supply challenges in Hammanskraal.
The first phase of the Hammanskraal water project was completed on November 16 and contractors are busy now with the next three.
However, the minister of water and sanitation has raised concerns regarding the contamination detected in the water supply, due to pipeline integrity.
The first phase of the Klipdrift Potable Water Package Plant aims to improve the availability of drinking water for Hammanskraal residents.
The plant will pump an additional 12.5 million litres of potable water daily to address the critical water supply problems in the area.
The over R700-million construction project at the existing Klipdrift Water Treatment Works (WTW) in Marokolong will further ensure that the plant produces 50 megalitres per day.
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