Tshwane, national govt seeking funds to expand Rooiwal Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant

JOHANNESBURG - The City of Tshwane and national government have begun seeking funds to expand the Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Tshwane Mayor Nasiphi Moya confirmed during a site visit to the plant on Thursday that efforts were underway to secure financing for the expansion.

Around R4 billion is required to increase the plant's capacity, allowing it to treat larger volumes of water than it's currently able to.

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The dysfunctional plant was built to treat sewage before distributing it to households in Hammanskraal.

The Rooiwaal Wastewater Treatment Plant is a 60-year-old facility built to purify water before distributing it to households in Hammanskraal. 

But the township’s population has grown significantly since the plant was built in the 1970s, meaning it currently doesn't have the capacity to treat larger volumes of water.

Moya announced that government was working on obtaining funds to expand the facility.

"You would recall that when the president was here, he spoke of R4 billion that would be set aside for phase two. That’s how expensive that is. What it talks to is increasing the capacity of this plant, so that it accommodates the areas that are supposed to be fed here."

Meanwhile, refurbishments at the plant are expected to be completed in June next year.

Only after that will government determine if the water is clean enough for consumption in Hammanskraal.