A feasibility study tabled at the City of Cape Town’s mayoral committee has indicated that the proposed R5 billion Paarden Eiland Desalination Plant could result in a steep bump in water tariffs for ratepayers, according to reports by the Cape Argus.
The study, which was presented at a recent mayoral committee meeting, suggests that the plant could significantly inflate water bills within the first two years of operation. As the city grapples with water scarcity exacerbated by climate change, the plant aims to produce between 50 million and 70 million litres of potable water per day, with the goal of securing an additional 300 million litres from diversified sources.
Engineers seen moving large pipes into place with the help of excavators and tugboats at the Strandfontein Pavilion Desalination site in 2018.
The report reveals that modelling conducted as part of the value assessment found that the implementation of the desalination project will lead to an approximate “additional project-specific water tariff increase (over and above the base inflationary increase) of 6.57% and 6.63%” in the initial two years of operation.
In a bid to alleviate financial pressures on residents, the city is engaging with the National Treasury to explore options for Grant funding for the project. “These discussions will continue in the procurement phase of the project to mitigate the cost to the city where feasible,” the report states.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners and Themba Zwane were the biggest names omitted as Hugo Broos named his Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.While Rayners annd Mshishi misse out, Broos has included youngsters Tylon Smith – named the Best Player at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year – and Shandre Campbell, who has been turning heads in Belgium.Another notable omission is forward […]
