Hessequa municipality, in conjunction with the University of Stellenbosch has created the Hessequa Helix to implement innovative solutions to the water crisis. Witsand has now been identified as the site for a desalination plant.
The costs of implementing the plan to establish a plant at Witsand are estimated to be R9million. The French Treasury has committed itself to provide financing for 50% of the costs while the Hessequa municipality will cover the remaining 50%.
In this regard the municipality has successfully applied for funding from the Western Cape Drought Relief fund.
The Department of Local Government has confirmed in writing that it is its intention to assist once approval has been granted by Cabinet.