C u r r e n t  P r e s s, 2000-02-29

Signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Rand Water and Bethal Local Council

Rand Water signed an agreement with Bethal Local Council for the taking over of the 36km water supply line between Wildebeesfontein Reservoir, (near Secunda) and Bethal and the Trichardt booster pumping station, all in the Mpumalanga Province.

Rand Water will use its expertise and technology in bulk water supply to refurbish and upgrade the supply system, at an estimated cost of R9, 5 million, to meet the increased demand in the region. The supply route will have additional advantage of placing Rand Water in a better position to supply water to certain areas east of Bethal, should this be necessary in the future

The agreement was signed for Rand Water by Mr Vincent Bath, Chief Executive and for Bethal Local Council by Mr J. van A van Niekerk, the Town Clerk.

"This agreement forms part of Rand Water's vision to assist local authorities to provide reliable water supplies to end consumers at a cost they are willing to pay for." Said Rand Water's Chief Executive.

Commented Veli Mtshali, Deputy Mayor of Bethal: "The conclusion of this agreement will ensure water supply to the greater Bethal community."

Rand Water has supplied the Council with potable water from Wildebeesfontein reservoir since December 1965. The supplies were originally made through a 300-mm fibre cement pipeline of approximately 36-km in length boosted by a pumping station situated along the pipeline near Trichardt.

By 1983 the capacity of the system had to be increased and the augmentation of the 300-mm pipeline with a parallel 450-mm fibre cement pipeline commenced and was scheduled to be completed in 6 phases. The Council completed the first four phases and Rand Water will complete the remaining two and refurbish the Trichardt pumping station.

Contact persons:

Mike Nxasana Rand Water
Telephone (011) 682 0505 or 083 883 3849

Walter Coxon Rand Water - Chief Engineer: Development
Telephone (011) 682 0254

Johan van Vuuren Bethal Local Council - Town Secretary.
Telephone (017) 647 6231 or 082 747 6574