Hope for Hammanskraal: Tshwane Mayor promises new treatment plant will bring clean water

Hammanskraal and surrounding areas are closer to receiving reliable, clean drinking water after the City of Tshwane confirmed that the main construction phase of the long-awaited Klipdrift Package Water Treatment Plant has been technically completed.

The project, implemented by Magalies Water and funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation, is a major intervention aimed at ending years of water insecurity in Hammanskraal and neighbouring areas that have lived with unsafe, unreliable supply.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya described the development as a step forward for an area that has endured prolonged hardship.

Hammanskraal residents have for years been forced to rely on water tankers and bottled water after repeated tests found the local supply to be contaminated.

Moya acknowledged that frustration remained as the plant was still being energised, commissioned, and stabilised.

“The system is still being stabilised, and I recognise the inconvenience and uncertainty this has caused. These concerns are taken seriously,” she said.

According to the city, encouraging progress has already been recorded in Marokolong, Ramotse, Babelegi Industrial Park, Mandela Village, Kekana Gardens and Temba Units 1, 2, 3, 6, D and Unit 10.

These areas are now receiving potable water from the Klipdrift plant that meets the SANS 241:2015 drinking water standard.

However, officials cautioned that supply from the plant may fluctuate as the system settles.

Other communities, including Mandela Park, Kanana and parts of Majaneng, continue to experience intermittent interruptions due to the transition from the ageing Temba Water Treatment Plant, power disruptions, seasonal changes and rising demand driven by the growth of informal dwellings and backyard structures.

To reduce the impact on residents, the city has retained roaming water tankers across Hammanskraal.

Supporting bulk infrastructure, including pump stations and clear-water storage facilities, was also under construction to enable full integration of Klipdrift into the municipal network.

While these projects were at an advanced stage, the city said full stability will depend on system performance and external pressures such as weather and daily demand.

For a community long let down by delayed delivery and political promises, the Klipdrift plant represents both hope and accountability.

The city said it will continue working with Magalies Water and provide updates as final milestones are reached.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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