A heavyweight investor in northern KwaZulu-Natal has expressed satisfaction with progress made by Mhlathuze Water on the augmentation of its Nsezi Water Treatment Plant to ensure the future security of water supply. Nyanza Light Metals, a chemicals manufacturer that has made a multi-billion investment towards the construction of a titanium production plant within the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ), recently toured the Nsezi Water Treatment Plant to inspect the Plant’s suitability to meet projected water and effluent discharge demand.
The Nsezi Water Treatment Plant is currently undergoing a major overhaul which, once completed, shall increase its capacity from 205 mega litres per day of water to 260 mega litres per day. The work includes upgrade to the existing pipeline, the addition of a new 1 500mm diameter pipeline and the construction of two additional clarifiers. In order to successfully operate its new titanium dioxide pigment and chemicals manufacturing facility, Nyanza Light Metals requires Mhlathuze Water to supply them with 30 mega litres of clarified water per day and also provide a pipeline that will dispose off a daily volume of 20.9 mega litres per day of gypsum.
Commenting on the visit, the Head of Strategic Projects and Planning at Nyanza Light Metals, Frank Thema said: “It was quite reassuring to witness the ongoing construction works at the Nsezi Water treatment plant. This long-term expansion gives us confidence about the future of water security in line with the projected demands.” Mhlathuze Water Interim Chief Executive Dr Simo Lushaba said Mhlathuze Water remained cognisant of the need to balance industrial water demands with the equally important constitutional injunction of ensuring water availability for citizens. “At the same time as we fulfil our role of being enablers for economic development and thus, job creation and poverty alleviation, we have not lost sight of the need to ensure that communities do not get left behind.”
In its effort to expand the supply of water, Lushaba said, Mhlathuze Water was working closely with municipalities to assist with their water challenges. “Currently we are working with the uMkhanyakude District Municipality to improve their household water reticulation; we are also busy with the construction of a 15 mega litre per day Water Treatment Plant to improve the water situation in Esikhaleni.”
Issued by: Office of the Interim Chief Executive,
For more information contact: Corporate Communication manager, Siyabonga Maphumulo on 082 303 4243 email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
