Clover plant's water consumption under scrutiny

SUPPLY DISRUPTION

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

AS RESIDENTS in Queensburgh, Northdene, Malvern and surrounding areas continue to grapple with inconsistent water supply, the spotlight has turned on the Clover Dairy plant, whose consumption has sparked public criticism.

However, the municipality and the company have defended their operations and offered explanations.

Asked about its water consumption, Clover’s Executive for Legal, Secretarial and Human Resources, Steven Velthuysen, said the company “absolutely understands the frustration being experienced by residents on the water issue.”

“Our commitment is to work closely with the municipality on the problems with not only infrastructure but also water pressure, which is directly affecting residents. While water supply is not the problem, we agree that actually getting water from the reservoir to residents is deeply problematic,’ Velthuysen said.

He stressed that Clover was fully compliant with all laws and regulations and that the company had “launched several initiatives aimed at reducing our water usage, and we are actively exploring alternative solutions to ensure a sustainable water supply for the future’.

Velthuysen also confirmed that the company had agreed with the municipality to shut down its water usage during specific periods to help alleviate pressure on the Firwood Reservoir.