Port operations at East London in South Africa’s Eastern Cape are gearing up to become self-sufficient when it comes to water supply, through desalination.

Engineering News reports that the Transnet National Ports Authority is building a ZAR60 million solar-powered water desalination plant at the port.

The plant will be built by a joint venture comprising Norland Civil Engineers and Contractors and Impact Water Solutions, trading as Sun Water East London. The JV will also operate the facility over seven years.

Acting TNPA CEO Phyllis Difeto says the project is in line with the state-owned company’s overall strategy of increasing the resilience of utilities at its ports.

The  plant is expected to produce 0.5 megalitres a day of potable water.

9 April 2024
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