Question NW895 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
18 October 2019 - NW895
Shembeni, Mr HA to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
Whether her department has a plan to build water infrastructure in Tsambokhulu Village in Nkomazi, Mpumalanga; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) by what date will building commence and (b) at what stage is the plan?
Reply:
The Tsambokhulu Village is already receiving water supply from the Masibekela Water Treatment Plant which abstract water from the Komati River. The plant was upgraded in 2013 from 7ML /Day to 14ML/Day in order to address the water demand of the Southern area of Nkomazi Local Municipality including Tsambokhulu Village. The project was completed in 2016 and is being operated by the Nkomazi Local Municipality.
However, due to inadequate electrical supply, the Masibekela Water Treatment Plant is currently operating at an average volume of 9ML/Day. The shortfall is due to additional electricity supply needed to optimise the Masibekela Treatment Plant. This is being addressed through an application which has already been lodged with Eskom.
To address the above, I wish to inform the Honourable Member that my Department is assisting the municipality to address the matter and has lodged an application with ESKOM for the supply of electricity to the Masebekela Water Treatment Plant. The improvement of electrical supply will enable the plant to operate at full capacity and the water demand for Tsambokhulu village will be fully accommodated.