GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality apologises to residents of Pacaltsdorp for odours coming from the Outeniqua wastewater treatment works due to the works that cannot function to its full extent during load-shedding.

The Outeniqua wastewater treatment works is being upgraded and the capacity of the works extended to accommodate additional developments. The project is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2023.

Unfortunately, the Eskom load-shedding has had a detrimental effect on the treatment process. The main use of electricity in a treatment process is to provide oxygen for the bacteria. Without oxygen, the bacteria cannot digest the sewage and odours are generated.

George Municipality received grant funding to install a very large generator to provide electricity for the remainder of the works.

This generator is in the procurement process and will only be installed later in the year.

Currently, the Municipality is looking at installing short-term generator rental options to bridge the delivery period of the permanent solution. Due to the nature and size of the generator required limited options exist.

Load-shedding has placed a major physical and financial burden on the Municipality and they are working hard and as quickly as possible to overcome the challenges.

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