DWS warns it will take a 'long time' for Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant to return to optimum levels again

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Water and Sanitation warned that it would take a "long time" to get the Rooiwal wastewater treatment back to working optimally again.

On Friday, DWS's political leadership conducted an oversight visit at the plant, located in the water-stricken area of Hammanskraal.

The plant is currently undergoing a R450 million refurbishment project which will see it expanding its treatment capacity and improve its infrastructure.

The Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant is at the centre of the reason why some Hammanskraal residents have not had clean water for about 20 years.

Due to the plant not working optimally, it has been discharging highly contaminated water to the Leeuwkraal Dam.

As a result, it means water from the Temba purification plant, which is sourced from the dam, is not fit for human consumption. 

Water and sanitation deputy minister David Mahlobo said the contamination runs deep.

"All the parts that go to the Temba plant, including the reservoirs, at a particular point they must be flushed, testing must be done on an ongoing basis," said Mahlobo.

Mahlobo also stated that he was encouraged by the progress of upgrading the plant.