The Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, which has in recent times been experiencing mechanical problems, has had its key motor refurbished after the Palesa Coal Mine stepped in to assist the City of Tshwane.
MMC for Utility Services Themba Fosi said the motor played a critical role in the water management system and would see major improvement to the water plant.
In March, the City grappled with a broken pump and motor at the plant, causing a water outage. This led to residents in affected areas, such as Ekandustria, Ekangala and Rethabiseng, embarking on service delivery protests.
Water was subsequently restored following the installation of a new pump and motor at the plant.
Fosi said: “Palesa Coal Mine has not only facilitated the process of this refurbished motor, which will power the plant’s fourth pump, but has also conducted an audit to assess further operational needs at the facility.”
He said the development was set to greatly enhance the plant’s capacity and improve water service delivery to residents in region 7.
“The findings from this audit will be shared with the Office of the Executive Mayor with a view to further collaboration and intervention where necessary. This proactive partnership between the City and Palesa Coal Mine demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring the efficient functioning of critical infrastructure,” he said.
Fosi added that the plant played a vital role in the region’s water management and that the recent enhancements were expected to reduce downtime and significantly improve water distribution across the area.
He hailed the partnership with the mining company, saying it aligned with the City’s broader goals of improving utility services and supporting sustainable community development.
“The City of Tshwane extends its gratitude to Palesa Coal Mine for its continued support and partnership in strengthening our service delivery efforts. This partnership shows what can be achieved when the public and private sectors work together,” he said.
The improvements at the plant, he said, were a direct response to residents’ needs and proof that the City was committed to ensuring reliable water services for all.
“To further safeguard the integrity of our infrastructure, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or unauthorised utility connections to the City’s call centre at 012 358 7095/7096. The City relies on the community's vigilance and cooperation to protect our public resources and ensure that service delivery is not compromised,” Fosi said.
Pretoria News
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