The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Nomvula Mokonyane, today launched the Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme in the Northern Cape. The scheme, valued at R18 billion, will involve the construction of a 430 km pipeline and the drilling of boreholes to augment water supply for about six municipalities and 22 villages. This will ensure security of supply up to 2040.
The Minister told more than 3 000 members of the community that the project is the largest in the country currently and it will create no less than 1 500 jobs for people in the areas involved. “This project will make the economy of the Northern Cape different for generations to come,” she said to roaring applause.
She officially opened the laboratory on the site and said it is a response to the province not having a water quality laboratory. All along they had to have tests done in the Free State.
During a sod-turning ceremony to launch the Vaal Gamagara project, Minister Mokonyane said it is part of the department’s commitment to ensuring that the number of people without water gets lowered. “The project will decrease the load off municipalities and assist them to achieve the Blue Drop status which they have been struggling with,” she stated.
The Minister lauded Sedibeng Water who are seeing to the realisation of these projects for “changing the lives of Northern Cape people.” The first phase of the Vaal Gamagara Scheme worth R1 billion will commence soon. Minister Mokonyane also handed over two 5000lt water harvesting tanks to Vulavula Food Garden and Pniel Hope Day Care Centre and 140 water container wheelbarrows to selected households.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 874 2942
