A much-needed injection of R57.4 million will be streaming into Kouga’s coffers over the next few weeks to help the municipality secure crucial additional water for the drought-stricken region.
The funding application for drought-relief, submitted by the Kouga Municipality was approved by the Department of Water and Sanitation in September this year.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks, said the funds will be used for the development and equipping of boreholes across the region, as well as to construct four water purifying plants, one of which is already in operation.
“The first plant has been constructed at the Humansdorp Water Treatment Works – significantly improving the quality of the borehole water and removing iron and manganese through a chemical process that utilises activated oxygen,” said Hendricks.
“The plant has the capacity to add 6Ml of additional borehole water to the existing reservoirs. An additional 25% to 30% of water capacity is already added to the Humansdorp water supply.
“The second plant is being constructed at the Jeffreys Bay Water Treatment Works and is set to be completed by the end of October this year. Once completed, it will add an additional 4Ml of water to the existing reservoir – approximately 50% of water used by residents daily.”
Two more plants are planned for Hankey (between 2Ml/day and 6Ml per day) and St Francis Bay (between 2Ml/day and 6Ml per day).
More projects
According to Hendricks, funds secured will, furthermore, be used for the equipping of existing boreholes in Humansdorp and west of Hankey, as well as for the development of new boreholes in Humansdorp (two) and Hankey (three).
“The exploration, equipping of new boreholes and connection to the existing water treatment network is also high on the priority lists for St Francis Bay.
“Exploration work, drilling, and testing of preferred boreholes are planned for Thornhill and Loerieheuwel.”
A geohydrologist will be appointed for a period of three years to manage the boreholes, ensuring the protection of the aquifer and compliance with the requirements of the Department of Water and Sanitation.
