Note to editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Eleanor Quinta and Sesotho by Cllr Moshe Lefuma.
After months of delay, the Nuwejaarspruit pump station project is finally back on track. The original estimated date of completion was February 2024, but has now been moved to mid-August.
The Nuwejaarspruit backup water pump station is vital during winter months when the Wilge River levels diminish due to a decrease in rainfall. The Pump Station serves as a backup that allows water to be pumped from the Sterkfontein Dam directly to supplement the Wilge River.
Heavy rain damaged the weir wall in the summer rain season during December 2023 and January 2024. Work had to be stopped for water levels to decrease in the Nuwejaarspruit River. Work resumed in April 2024 after the contractor completed mechanical and electrical work off-site.
Currently, the project is 84% complete. The only work that remains is on the weir wall and electrical wiring for the new water pumps. The DA will continue to monitor progress on the project, to prevent a catastrophe if and when the Wilge River runs dry.