Hammanskraal taps finally gush clean water

The completion of the first phase of the Hammanskraal water supply project marks a long-awaited breakthrough for the residents in need of portable water.

This was announced by Tshwane mayor , Dr Nasiphi Moya on Wednesday, January 8, in Hammanskraal. She was speaking on the access to clean water in the region.

For years, the residents have suffered due to lack of clean water, however now in 2025, this long-standing challenge has been resolved.

Residents will now breathe a sigh of relief after the Tshwane metro informed them that the water supplied from the Magalies Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant is safe to drink, following nearly 20 years of unsafe water supply.

It was a joyful moment witnessing residents open their taps today. We are committed to ensuring that all residents in Hammanskraal have access to services delivered with dignity and respect. #ReASpana @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/09Qhs2rUjH

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) January 8, 2025

According to Moya, the water from the plant has been tested and is now confirmed to meet the required health standards for consumption.

The achievement follows the completion of the first phase of the metro’s comprehensive water supply project aimed at addressing long-standing water challenges in Hammanskraal.

The phase of the R700-million Hammanskraal water project to ensure that the plant produces 50 megalitres per day was completed on November 16 last year but the minister of water and sanitation had raised concerns regarding the contamination detected in the water supply due to pipeline integrity.

It involved purging the old reticulation system and rehabilitating it to ensure a safe, disinfected, and reliable water supply.

The completion of this phase now means that 12.5 megalitres of treated water per day will be supplied to Hammanskraal.

It will go to wards 49, 73, 74, 75, Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens, and Babelegi Industrial.

I had made a commitment that I would be the first to attest to the safety of the water in Hammanskraal. I have kept my promise. @CityTshwane pic.twitter.com/BRayCHJOTS

— Dr Nasiphi Moya (@nasiphim) January 8, 2025

The water crisis in the area was widely recognised, leading to several protests and public outcry.

The situation deteriorated further when allegations of corruption surrounding the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant tender emerged, causing delays in delivering much-needed water services.

Moya said this long-overdue access to clean water is expected to improve the quality of life for the community.

“The water supply to Hammanskraal has been an issue of national importance, and both the City of Tshwane and national government have been working together to ensure that the water supply meets constitutional obligations.”

She said the water supply project, which began with the construction of the Magalies Water Klipdrift Package Plant, is expected to be completed in mid-2025.

“Upgrades to the Rooiwal Waste Water Treatment Plant are also being undertaken to further improve water services in Hammanskraal.

“The combination of these two projects will enable more areas in the region to benefit from reliable, clean water in the future,” said Moya.

She emphasised the injustice faced by Hammanskraal residents, who were deprived of a basic human right for so many years.

Moya acknowledged that this was compounded by corruption and tender mismanagement, but expressed optimism that the recent developments would provide relief to the community.

The removal of the DA leadership from the ⁦@CityTshwane⁩ must be celebrated by all residents of the city. pic.twitter.com/7EM5ZtkPgM

— Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) January 8, 2025

Moya also pointed out that the metro was awaiting formal communication from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) regarding its completed investigation into the Rooiwal tender, which would offer further insights into the delays and failures of the project.

“Addressing the failure to provide potable water to Hammanskraal must include holding those responsible accountable.

“The metro would act on the recommendations of the SIU once they received the formal report, stressing the need for consequence management.”

The metro also wrote off R600-million in water-related debt to restore fairness and dignity to the residents of Hammanskraal after they were forced to pay for unsafe water.

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Also read: Clean water on the horizon for Hammanskraal

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