09 Sep 2015

Minister of Minerals Energy and Water Resources, Mr Kitso Mokaila, says Boteti northern cluster water project is expected to produce enough and good quality water supply upon its completion.

Minister Mokaila said this during the tour of projects, which covered six villages of Makalamambedi, Motopi, Chanoga, Phuduhudu, Khumaga and Moremaoto on Tuesday September 8.

The volume of water from the boreholes supplying the villages, he said, was not adequate to meet demand, hence the project. The project cost over P150 million.

He noted that the main plant which is Motopi treatment plant will be servicing all the five villages except Phuduhudu. 

The project has sub-plants in each of the villages which will be used to assist in-case Motopi plant experiences some challenge. The plants will however, be used interchangeably.

The project which commenced in January 2014 is expected to be completed by January 2016.

Assistant Resident Engineer of Triangle Consulting Engineers (PTY) Ltd, Mr Mangaliso Dennison said the project is on plan and behind schedule with only 28 days.

The physical progress of the project achieved currently stood at 82.25 per cent and 3.92 per cent behind schedule.

Mr Dennison stated that the villages are already benefiting from the project, by receiving good quality water.

He said the project covered construction of six galvanised steel elevated distribution tanks, two at Moreomaoto and one each at Motopi, Makalamabedi, Khumaga and Chanoga respectively.

The project which will address the shortage of water and poor quality, also covered construction of 3000 cubic metres reinforced concrete clear water storage tank, as much as construction of 3000 cubic metres  galvanised mild steel raw water storage tanks; one at Mopipi and another at Phuduhudu.

It also included construction of three new reverse osmosis treatment plants at Mopipi, Moreomaoto and Phuduhudu respectively, as well as refurbishment of one reverse osmosis treatment plant at Makalamabedi among others.

The two new reverse osmosis units for Moremaoto borehole water treatment plant, he said were installed, tested and are operating successfully to supply water to Motopi and Moreomaoto villages respectively.

Mr Dennison said the two existing new reverse osmosis units for Makalamabedi borehole water treatment plant were refurbished

He indicated that one reverse osmosis unit is operating to expectations while the other is not, reportedly due to severe wear and tear in the High Pressure pump used.

He added that the project will be handed over by January 2016. ENDS