Minister Nkabane unveils R130 Million Alice and UFH Water Infrastructure upgrade projects

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30-09-2024
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University of Fort Hare
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A momentous and joyful occasion took place in Dikeni (Alice) today as Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, officially unveiled the R130 million Alice Water Treatment and UFH Wastewater Treatment Works Expansion Projects.

Funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), this initiative, a joint effort between the University of Fort Hare (UFH) Amatole District Municipality (ADM) and the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality (RMM) ensures access to clean, safe, and sustainable water for the UFH community and residents in surrounding communities.

The upgrades have significantly increased the capacity of these plants to address the growing demand for potable water in the area.

Minister Nkabane, who was joined by the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr David Mahlobo said: “Today, we are not only unveiling infrastructure — but we are also unveiling hope and opportunities and aspirations of the people of Alice, the University of Fort Hare students’ community, and the future generations that will benefit from these projects.

The formal unveiling programme took place in the heart of the community in Ntselemanzi where the Alice Water Treatment Works plant is located. In attendance were various stakeholders, such as traditional leaders, business sector representatives, and community members.

The Alice Water Treatment Works project which saw UFH as the implementation agent, ADM as the owner of the water treatment works, and Raymond Mhlaba Municipality RMM as the beneficiary of the project, has been hailed as prime examples of government’s District Development Model (DDM) in action.

The UFH Wastewater Treatment Works is owned and managed by UFH, processing sewage from both the Alice campus and the town of Alice which falls within Raymond Mhlaba.

The Minister emphasized the importance of this collaboration among the two municipalities and the University. “This project is a practical demonstration of the District Development Model. Under this model, introduced by His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, all three spheres of government coordinate and integrate development plans and budgets and mobilise the capacity and resources of government and civil society — including business, labour and community, in pursuit of inclusive growth and job creation.”

Deputy Minister Mahlobo commended the partnership between DHET and UFH and called for effective operations and maintenance of the plants. "This infrastructure must be taken care of. Those who manage these plants must be fit for purpose in terms of exposure, experience and capabilities."

Project Highlights

Alice Water Treatment Expansionentailed upgrading the raw water inlet and flocculent channels, installation of new sedimentation basins and sand filters, chlorine dosing, sludge ponds and effluent recovery, domestic water supply, upgrades to existing reservoir and construction of a new reservoir. Which resulted in the following:

-Flow rate: increased from 75 l/second to 140 l/second

-Reservoir capacity: expanded from 11.28 Ml to 17.48 Ml

-Population served: current 44,259; projected 50,856 by 2050

-Local SMMEs Involved: 14

-Timeline: February 2023 to July 2024 (18 months)

The expansion of the UFH Wastewater Treatment Works involved the construction of new inlet works and splitter boxes, an upgraded biological reactor (aeration chamber), a newly built sedimentation tank, enhanced disinfection systems, and updated pipework to connect various components.

-Treatment Capacity: Increased from 2.0 Ml/day to 4.5 Ml/day

-Population Served: Increased from 13,600 to 38,256

-Local SMMEs Involved: 7

-Timeline: June 2023 to September 2024 (16 months)

One of the standout features of the project has been its positive impact on the local economy. Approximately 30% of the project value was allocated to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs), fostering job creation and skills development within the Alice community.

Altogether, 99 jobs were created for local labourers on both projects.

Delighted UFH Vice-Chancellor, Prof Sakhela Buhlungu, likened the project's success to the saying “A rising tide raises all boats,” emphasizing that the project's benefits extend beyond individual achievements to uplift the entire community.

“For us, these projects fall part of our Strategic Plan, dubbed: Towards a Decade of Renewal. This institution was facing serious challenges, and we made a bold commitment to embark on a journey of revitalization, addressing all the issues that were holding us back. We can now ensure that our students and the benefitting residents have access to clean drinking water, which is essential for their dignity.”

“Both projects were completed within budget, and we also achieved savings on both. There were minimal delays, primarily due to weather. Importantly, not a cent was misappropriated”

ADM Executive Mayor, Councillor Anele Ntsangani said the unveiling celebrates the culmination of collaborative efforts with the University which enabled an amicable solution to a longstanding water challenge.  “For far too long, our historic institutions, such as Lovedale College and the University, and surrounding villages, have struggled with inadequate water supply.  This symbiotic relationship between the municipality and UFH is vital to address such challenges.”

“Moving forward, we remain dedicated to fostering meaningful collaborations and driving progress for our district's development and betterment.,” said Executive Mayor Ntsangani.

The Acting Mayor of Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Mr Eltan Bantam said the municipality was in full support of the University’s renewal project. "As the municipality, we are prime beneficiaries given the economic spin-offs we continue to receive by virtue of our geographical location. Most importantly, the success of the implementation of the Decade of Renewal project will enhance a meaningful contribution, and boost the economic growth and development of our area.' He echoed Executive Mayor Ntsangani's sentiments: "We must continue to strengthen such cooperation where plans are effectively implemented and sustained for the betterment of society."

Minister Nkabane stated the successful completion of these upgrades serves as a model that can be replicated to address similar infrastructure challenges.

“Investing in water infrastructure goes beyond providing a basic necessity, it is about empowering our communities, supporting education, and fostering economic growth. This project is a demonstration of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.”