Ndlambe municipal spokesman Khulukile Mbolekwa said on Wednesday, 4 May, the new plant was a short-term solution that formed part of a bigger master plan to improve water supply and quality on the Sunshine Coast.
"It is expected to be connected soon and things will improve," he said.
Mbolekwa said cleaner water from the reverse osmosis plant would be blended with existing sources to reduce the salinity in tap water.
For years, residents have complained that the tap water is undrinkable because of high salt levels.
While the more affluent have been able to buy reverse osmosis water from shops or use rainwater tanks, the majority of township residents have not been as fortunate.
Nelson Mandela Township single mother Khululwa Mudinga said she was counting the days until she no longer had to lug five-litre bottles of rainwater home from her employer's gutter tanks.
"The tap water is often very dirty; it also tastes and smells bad," she said.
"I will be very happy if it improves as I have a small child and a sick mother to care for and do not want to risk their health drinking tap water."
She said she hoped water shortages would become a thing of the past and residents would not have to queue for hours waiting for tankers when it ran out.
The existing water supply has also been blamed for the faster deterioration of appliances like electric geysers and kettles because of the high salt content causing corrosion and damage.
Plumber Jacques Krige said on Wednesday removing all minerals from the water supply would definitely improve the life of geysers and other household appliances that use water.
"The reverse osmosis plant will take all the rubbish out of the water. Minerals in our water cause oxidation that damages appliances," he said.
Mbolekwa said although the water "was a bit salty at the moment", things would improve drastically once the plant was connected to water supply lines.
He said poorer households without gutter tanks would benefit through better-tasting water and improved availability.
"Port Alfred has been hard hit by water shortages, especially over the festive season. This is a short-term project that will bring relief during season."
Source: Herald
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