A total of R150 million is required to complete the ongoing refurbishment of the Deneysville Waste Water Treatment Works Project in the Free State, says Water and Sanitation Director General Margaret-Ann Diedericks.

The additional funds are in addition to the R9 million that was initially budgeted for the project.

The main purpose of the upgrade of the ageing infrastructure is to address water pollution affecting residents along the Vaal River system. The project entails an upgrade of the main plant and the refurbishment of the sewer outfall line.

Admitting that the money is currently not available, Diedricks said the department has embarked on planning processes to ensure a reallocation of budget towards the upgrade. She said the department was already in contact with other structures involved, such as the National Treasury.

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane had issued a directive to the Metsimaholo Local Municipality, who is responsible for this waste water treatment works, to address issues of lack of proper management and technical skills to operate and maintain the plant.

“The department is trying to correct the mistakes and address the challenges by assisting the municipality in getting the correct regulatory matters sorted, amongst these are the water use licences, design and ensuring that they work according to those regulations that are in place,” said Diedericks.

Changing behavior toward water use

Meanwhile, the department has placed a focus on encouraging communities to change their behaviour towards water use, water conservation and overall acceptance of government projects.

She said the department is in the process of establishing customer care facilities where people can call in and report difficulties that they are experiencing with regard to the projects rolled out by the department.

The facilities will have an open door policy where the department will be able to engage with communities and hear their ideas and contributions.

“If we have a good plan, but not the resources to implement it all at once, it is important to communicate that with the communities we serve. And that means that we welcome associations that are there, and we welcome their uses.

“The department will be assisting in setting up such associations to ensure that there is a full network of a two-way communication, from the community to the department and vice versa.”