The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is deeply concerned about the current state of the Witsand desalination plant, which was initially developed as an innovative solution to the town’s water challenges, but is apparently not fulfilling its intended role.
According to information provided to the Freedom Front Plus by stakeholders, the plant itself is not necessarily the biggest challenge, rather, it is management and maintenance issues within the Hessequa Municipality that are hindering its effective operation.
The batteries required for the plant’s solar system have reportedly not been installed since operations began. In addition, it is alleged that the Municipality failed to secure the water pump in time during the Breede River floods of 11 and 12 May 2026, which resulted in damage to power cables.
Consequently, the plant does not have a reliable power supply from either Eskom or its solar system; and the water inlet became clogged with sand and silt during the floods.
The Freedom Front Plus was also informed that around R3,5 million was spent on maintenance over the last two years, but the plant is still not fully operational. Moreover, during the December 2025/January 2026 holiday season, water tankers had to be deployed to Witsand because the plant was unable to meet the town’s water needs.
There are claims that the cost of desalination, even when the plant is operational, exceeds the tariff at which the Municipality is able to sell the water to the public, which raises serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the current operating model.
There are several retired engineers from the local community who are willing to share their expertise with the Municipality at no cost just to get the plant fully operational again. In the Freedom Front Plus’s view, such collaboration should be seriously considered.
The Freedom Front Plus takes note of the ongoing legal disputes between the Hessequa Municipality and a landowner, Mr Gielie de Kock, which also have a detrimental impact on the plant. The desalination plant is situated on an adjacent property, but to perform maintenance work, access has to be gained through Mr De Kock’s land.
He has reportedly indicated on several occasions that he is quite willing to allow access to his land, provided that certain conditions are met. It appears, however, that the Municipality wants the matter to be resolved through the courts. The legal costs allegedly already amount to more than R400 000 — funds that should have been used for repairs and improving service delivery.
The Freedom Front Plus believes that the Witsand desalination plant is a valuable infrastructure asset that should not be written off.
The party calls on the Hessequa Municipality to collaborate with the local community, technical experts and all stakeholders to find practical solutions, and restore the plant to sustainable and efficient operation for the benefit of Witsand residents.
