Question NW2884 to the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
10 December 2020 - NW2884
Mokgotho, Ms SM to ask the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation
By what date will she ensure that the community of Aliwal North in the Eastern Cape, who has been without water for more than six years, gets bulk water infrastructure supply that will connect them to water?
Reply:
The town of Aliwal North has a reliable and sustainable water supply. However, the department is aware that the Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) has water distribution constraints to the extent that there is a moratorium on further developments until the water services are upgraded in line with the recently compiled Aliwal North Water Master Plan. The JGDM has short and medium term plans in line with the District’s Water Services Master Plan to improve water services as follows:
a) Alternative sources such as boreholes and springs are developed and utilised as alternate standby sources.
b) The Aliwal Spa Hot Water Springs have been identified as alternative raw water sources. However, pre-treatment of water from this source is required.
c) Projects for construction of two raw water off-channel storage dams at the water works (MIG funded) and replacement of asbestos cement bulk pipeline and leaking valves (WSIG funded) have already commenced
d) Funding is being sought for further short term plans to:
- Build a new 2 Ml Clear Water Sump and install a high lift pump at the WTW,
- Build a 1,2Ml reservoir and a 400kl elevated tank at the springs; and install a high pressure gravity main.
e) Medium Term Plans:
- Upgrade of WTW by 2,5Ml and installation of a desalination/package plant at the springs,
- Replacement of the old 200mm asbestos cement rising main and upgrade of pump station and main reservoir at the springs.