Long-Term Water Infrastructure Projects Underway to Secure and Stabilise Supply

For Immediate Release, to all media houses.

 

Long-Term Water Infrastructure Projects Underway to Secure and Stabilise Supply

 

OR Tambo District Municipality wishes to assure residents that while temporary systems are currently in use to maintain uninterrupted water supply, permanent bulk water infrastructure is under construction.

These interventions form part of a long-term, funded programme to secure reliable and sustainable water provision for Mthatha and surrounding towns.

The Municipality is implementing a long-term intervention to secure and stabilise the raw water supply from Mthatha Dam to the Thornhill and Highbury Water Treatment Works, which supply Mthatha and nearby areas.

This intervention includes the construction of nine pump stations that will form a single, integrated raw water supply system from the dam.

The current civil works contract for the pump stations has been awarded at R49.8 million, with an additional estimated R14 million allocated for the pumps.

While construction is underway, the Thornhill Water Treatment Works continues to receive raw water from Mthatha Dam through a fully functional temporary siphon system. This system provides the required volumes to meet operational demand and has no negative impact on water flow to the treatment works. It is in place to ensure continuity of supply while permanent infrastructure is completed.

Once commissioned, the pump stations will provide a permanent, direct raw water supply to both the Thornhill and Highbury Water Treatment Works. In addition, the system will serve as an alternative supply during major breakdowns or planned maintenance, significantly improving system reliability and reducing the risk of prolonged disruptions.

Beyond this project, the Municipality continues to invest in water infrastructure across the District. During the current financial year:

R95 million has been allocated through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) for 11 water schemes, including new projects and the refurbishment of existing infrastructure.

R250 million has been allocated through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) for new bulk water infrastructure projects.

Of the R716.9 million Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) allocation, R518.1 million is dedicated to water projects, including pipelines and reservoirs linked to water treatment works. The remaining R198.8 million is allocated to sanitation projects.

All projects are implemented in line with approved budgets and are subject to ongoing technical and financial oversight.

The Municipality remains committed to strengthening water security, managing growth-related pressures, and delivering long-term, sustainable water solutions for all communities within the District.

 

Issued by:

OR Tambo District Municipality

Communications Unit