Modernization of Makhanda station planned for completion in 2027 — Daily Maverick
In Makhanda, South Africa, residents continue to face irregular water supply, while completion of the modernization of the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works is planned for September 2027. This is reported by Daily Maverick.
Fingo resident Honsiwe Tom said that water appears in her taps only two or three times a week, usually for several hours early in the morning. She also noted that water tankers arrive with delays, and unstable supplies force her to spend part of her salary on buying water.
Water is supplied on an unpredictable schedule
Extension 6 resident Xolani Jacobs said that water usually comes on between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and stops at around 9 a.m., although supply sometimes continues until 11 a.m. According to him, on September 11 water was supplied only at 3 p.m., while at times it is unavailable for two days.
Water supply disruptions in Makhanda have continued for at least 14 years. Businesses, institutions and residents who can afford it secure water independently of the municipal system.
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Project cost has increased
The modernization of the James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works began in 2015. It was intended to increase the plant's capacity from 10 million to 20 million liters of water per day and be completed in 2018 at a cost of 102 million rand. According to implementing agent Amatola Water, project spending has already reached 279 million rand.
The third and final phase of work began in March and requires another 223 million rand. Even if the current budget is maintained, the total cost overrun compared with the initial price will amount to 400 million rand. In six months of the 18-month phase, 12% of the work has been completed.
Amatola Water spokesperson Nolisa Mbangkolo explained the delays by the complexity of upgrading an operating plant without stopping water supply, as well as lengthy procurement procedures, approvals and coordination with the Makana municipality. At the same time, after the second phase was completed, the plant had still not reached its planned capacity of 20 million liters per day.
Questions concerning possible corruption or improper contract administration in the water sector have been the subject of investigations by South Africa's Special Investigating Unit since October 2024. In August, the unit told a parliamentary committee about two referrals to the National Prosecuting Authority, with a case file already registered in one of them.
