COVER STORY repairs, and management of the water infrastructure, as well as the supply of water, which they either buy from the water board or obtain through the production of their own potable water. The impact of Mergence’s investment via SAWW is significant. Through the two concessions, 450 000 to 500 000 customers are supplied with water, through managed networks of more than 1 500 km of pipeline and 900 km of sewerage. SAWW, through Siza Water, has also commissioned one of South Africa’s largest direct water recycling plants, recovering from 2.7 million to 3 million litres of potable quality water per day, thereby reducing the draw on bulk water supply from rivers and dams.
• Established in 1999 • Based in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal • Ser vice provider to iLembe District Municipality • Concession area covers 12.5 km²
• Established in 1999 • Concession ser ves about half of the population of Mbombela Municipality • Concession area covers 406 km² • 5 water treatment works, 3 wastewater treatment works, 92 reser voirs, 42 water pump stations, 30 sewage pump stations
Kingstonevale Wastewater Treatment Works
School tour at Siza Water
“Siza Water’s proven track record with its customers, as well as the drought at the time, went a long way to drive the acceptance of water reuse. A large component has been trust. Siza Water is an active participant in the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Blue Drop (drinking water systems) and Green Drop (wastewater systems) incentive-based compliance systems and has received various awards. Our water reuse plant has certainly helped in providing a level of resilience to the effects of climate change in the Ballito area,” maintains Misra. Expertise He adds that a lack of expertise poses a huge challenge to the water sector. “The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, the deterioration of water infrastructure, and the dismal Blue and Green Drop results from most water services authorities point to either a lack of technical competence or the fact that qualified, experienced individuals are not being deployed correctly. Our country used to have one of the best water systems in the world.” SAWW places an emphasis on staff training, coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and the recruitment of individuals with the requisite skills and experience. There are also annual learnership programmes where participants work under the supervision of water and wastewater process controllers. “We believe in growing talent from within
OUTSTANDING BLUE DROP RESULTS Siza Water is the 3rd best water provider in South Africa. SAWW has received 5 out of the 26 Blue Drop Awards: • Siza Water Dolphin Coast System • Karino Water Treatment Works • Matsulu Water Treatment Works • Primkop Water Treatment Works • Nelspruit Water Supply System ( consist of two water treatment works) Silulumanzi is the only water service provider to achieve Blue Drop in Mpumalanga. the organisation through accelerated development interventions. A culture of hard work, accountability, and belonging is fostered within SAWW. Staff retention is one of the key factors for our success,” Misra explains. There is also a focus on community development projects within the areas where the two PPPs operate. SAWW’s corporate social responsibility programmes include corporate social investment, water education, community training, developmental programmes, job creation, and public health. Going forward, SAWW is looking to assist municipalities wherever possible to deliver high-quality and reliable water services. With a track record spanning over two decades as entities that provide water services that are efficient, consistent, and of a high standard, both Silulumanzi and Siza Water are poised for growth.
www.saww.co.za N OV E M BE R/ DE C EMB E R 2023
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