Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is set to enhance water reliability at the Port of East London with the development of a pioneering water desalination plant.
The R60-million contract has been awarded to the joint venture of Norland Civil Engineers and Contractors and Impact Water Solutions (PTY) Ltd (IWS), trading as Sun Water East London, to construct and operate the solar-powered desalination plant over seven years.
TNPA’s acting chief executive, Phyllis Difeto, highlighted that the project aligns with the authority’s strategy to bolster utilities supply resilience by 2029 and reduce dependence on external water sources.
Expected to produce 0.5 mega litres (ML) per day, the desalination plant will convert seawater into potable water meeting drinking quality standards.
Notably, renewable energy, particularly solar power, will be integrated to minimize operational costs.
IWS, with expertise in decentralized water infrastructure and renewable energy, and Norland Construction, specializing in engineering works, will collaborate to ensure timely delivery of the project.
The venture is anticipated to create approximately 100 direct and indirect job opportunities, with potential for further growth during project execution.
