The first phase of a new package plant, which is being constructed by Magalies Water to bring clean water to residents of Hammanskraal, is nearing completion.

From November 15, it is expected that the newly constructed Module 1 of the 12.5 megalitre package plant will provide additional water into the existing bulk water infrastructure.

This is despite challenges that emerged in the final construction stages of Phase 1, which resulted in delays leading to the testing and commissioning period.

“During construction, besides the initial discovery of a rock formation, another one was discovered on site, where a raw water pipeline from abstraction point to Module 1 was to be laid,” the Department of Water and Sanitation, Magalies Water and the City of Tshwane said in a joint media statement on Monday.

Given the proximity to existing bulk water infrastructure and existing buildings within the precinct of the Klipdrift water treatment plant, safer and alternative means of rock-blasting were opted for over rapid-blasting methods.

Further delays were experienced owing to a power outage incident where the off-site premanufacturing of mechanical components of the plant was taking place, which resulted in the remaining work being accelerated for completion by October 31.

The final assembly, commissioning and testing of Module 1 is planned to start from November 1 to 10, while the pressure testing and flushing of water pipeline will take place between November 10 to 14.

A technical and scientific assessment will also be conducted to ascertain the structural integrity of the new infrastructure and test the quality of water for human consumption.

“During this period, until formal communication is issued to the public, residents of the areas which will be supplied are strongly advised not to consume the water in the reticulation network,” the parties said.

Module 1 of the plant will supply Mandela Village, Marokolong, Ramotse, Kekana Gardens (Steve Bikoville), Kudube Unit 9 and Babelegi Industrial and Bridgeview informal settlement, which are in wards 49, 73, 74 and 75.

“Communities are also advised that during the connections and commissioning of the new module infrastructure with the existing plant, there might be some water interruptions during the period.”

After the completion of both the structural assessment and water quality testing a public announcement will be communicated enabling residents to use the water flowing from the reticulation network.

“While the delays are regrettable and add to the public’s inconvenience, the assessment of the infrastructure and water quality testing are necessary steps in the full operationalisation of the plant to ensure that water from the plant is certified as safe for human consumption and poses no health risks.”