GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - Following a delay in the renewable energy project aimed at strengthening water and wastewater services in the Great Brak River area, the Mossel Bay Municipality said the project is now expected to be completed in June 2027.

Construction began in March. In an update the municipality shared in June, it said the project formed part of phase 2 of its renewable energy roll-out and is being implemented on municipal land adjacent to the wastewater treatment works.

"Once completed, the installation will consist of a 2.4 megawatt peak [MWp] solar photovoltaic system, supported by a 2.4 megavolt-ampere [MVA] battery energy storage system.

"The solar and battery system is designed to provide energy support to three essential facilities: the Great Brak Wastewater Treatment Works, the Klein Brak Water Treatment Works, and the Sandhoogte Water Treatment Works."

Upon enquiry about an apparent delay in the schedule, the municipality said the progress on site had been delayed by various issues, including approvals from the Provincial Roads Department, environmental approval for a portion of the site, and inclement weather, including severe weather events such as the exceptionally high rainfall in May and June.

"The contractor's application for extension of construction time was approved in terms of the General Conditions of Contract for Construction Works. Consequently, the construction programme was revised accordingly for a new completion date of June 2027. The construction work is currently on track as per the revised programme." 

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