The goal is to retrieve and process 3 million liters of water per day. Currently, the existing plant can handle just 1 million liters daily, but the new facility will meet the increased demand once operational.
Six new boreholes have been drilled, five of which are viable. The sixth borehole has insufficient output to warrant further development. The five productive boreholes generate over 7 liters per second, equating to around 0.6 million liters per day. Klok Engineering, the main contractor, has worked with Masana Waste and Environmental Management (Pty) Ltd (MWEM) for hydro surveys and drilling so far.
Pipe installation is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, September 17, followed by pump installations early next week. All pumps will use solar energy initially providing power, while awaiting connection to Eskom’s electricity grid. AJ Landman has been contracted for further assessments and drilling, with several promising options being considered that could yield an additional 0.4 million liters per day.
An existing borehole near the fire station has a preliminary estimate of producing 2.5 liters per second, though this is yet to be confirmed. The site has access to electricity, but the pump will need to be replaced. Another existing borehole near the windmill, just outside of town on the Fouriesburg road, is set to be assessed this week. Two boreholes at the Clarens Golf Estate are also under consideration, with discussions between the municipality and the estate scheduled for Tuesday, September 17. Work at the Kloof Dam area will only begin if the other sites fail to produce sufficient water. Further reading regarding this.
With just 14 days remaining until the scheduled shutdown, finding alternative water sources has become an urgent priority.
