Overstrand Municipality recently received a grant of R6.7 million from the Western Cape Department of Local Government to procure and install backup generators to keep additional critical water and wastewater facilities running during load shedding.

“This move reflects the urgency that is desperately needed to address the knock-on effects of relentless power cuts on essential basic services. We cannot allow our citizens to suffer any further. We must act to urgently stabilise municipal services such as water supply, wastewater treatment and sewerage infrastructure for our citizens.

“Our government is working very hard on a number of medium to longer-term strategies to respond to this crisis, but we recognise our responsibility to intervene now where we can.

This emergency release of funding for critical infrastructure is just one such example,” explained Premier Alan Winde.

To date, following on a tender process, the service provider who will execute the project was appointed on 30 March 2023.

Orders were subsequently placed for the supply and installation of backup generators at the following critical bulk water and wastewater facilities in Overstrand:

• New 200 kVA generator for Hermanus Mosselrivier Sewerage Pump Station
• New 180 kVA generator for Kleinmond Tennis Court Sewerage Pump Station
• New 400 kVA generator for Kleinmond Palmiet River Bulk Raw Water Pump Stations
• New 60 kVA generator for Kleinmond Water Treatment Works
• New 200 kVA generator for Gansbaai Wastewater Treatment Works
• New 50 kVA generator for Pearly Beach Water Treatment Works
• New 80 kVA generator for De Kelders Klipgat Spring Pump Station
• New 150 kVA generator for De Kelders Water Treatment Works
• New 400 kVA generator for Kraaibosch Dam Bulk Raw Water Pump Station

Even though every effort is being made to ensure that the project is completed by the end of June 2023, the current high demand for generators in the country is proving to be a major challenge.

Consequently, all indications are that the requisite equipment will only be delivered in the course of June, where after installation and commissioning will follow.

Nevertheless, a progress report will be published on a regular basis to keep residents informed.

Overstrand Municipality is most thankful for the grant since it will help to reduce the adverse effects load shedding has on basic water and sanitation services.