Securing Gauteng’s Water Supply: The Role of Rand Water’s Station 5 Purification Plant

Rand Water Completes Phase 1 of Flagship Project

Rand Water, the largest water utility on the African continent, has completed Phase 1 of its flagship project – the Station 5A filtration plant. The plant, situated at the Zuikerbotch Water Treatment Works, will produce 150 megalitres per day of potable water. The completion of Phase 1 ensures water security for the Gauteng province and extends to parts of Free State, Mpumalanga, and North West provinces.

Minister of Water and Sanitation Commends Rand Water

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, recently commissioned the first part of the mega water project and praised Rand Water for its forward-thinking approach in addressing the increasing demand for water supply and ensuring proper maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure. He emphasized the significance of proper infrastructure in enabling access to clean water and managing water resources.

Phases 1 and 2 of the Project

The Station 5 project is split into two phases – Station 5A and 5B. Phase 1 has been completed, and upon completion of Phase 2 by the end of 2024, an additional 450 megalitres per day of potable water will be contributed, bringing the total to 600 megalitres per day.

Creation of Job Opportunities and Support for SMMEs

Since its inception in 2019, the Station 5A project has created 871 job opportunities for individuals from various skill levels and supported more than 48 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) through small work packages from the core activities of the 26 projects.

Challenges Faced by Rand Water

Rand Water has faced several challenges in implementing its capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects, including population growth in areas of supply, vandalism of infrastructure, encroachment on servitude, raw water quality, and non-payment of invoices by customers, among other issues. To mitigate these challenges, Rand Water is working closely with municipalities under the capable leadership of Minister Mchunu.

Rand Water’s Dedication to Securing Water Supply

In February 2023, the water utility launched the Vlakfontein Reservoir in the City of Ekurhuleni. This reservoir is part of the Mapleton Booster system augmentation program and is the world’s largest post-tensioned concrete. Rand Water’s completion of the Station 5A project and launch of the Vlakfontein Reservoir showcase the dedication of Rand Water and the South African government to secure water supply for millions of people in various provinces, fostering sustainable development and a better future for all.