R18bn water infrastructure investment launched in Northern Cape
The Department of Water and Sanitation today launched the R18 billion Vaal Gamagara Water Supply Scheme refurbishment and upgrade project in Northern Cape.
The R18 billion water project includes the refurbishment of the existing Vaal Gamagara Water Treatment Plant near Delpoortshoop, the upgrade of pump stations and the construction of a 430 km long pipeline to run from Delpoortshoop to Black Rock. The project also includes the equipping of 3 borehole sites which are located in Danielskuil, Groenwater and Hotazel to augment water supplied from the Vaal River.
The Vaal Gamagara water scheme is critical to ensure the continued sustainability of iron ore and manganese mining operations between Kathu and Hotazel, whilst also ensuring water supply to over twenty-two (22) villages. The six (6) municipalities of Dikgatlong, Kgatelopele, Tsantsabane, Gamagara, Ga-Segonyana and Joe Morolong will also benefit from the bulk water supply.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Nomvula Mokonyane emphasized the importance of the project for the communities of the Northern Cape and the provincial economy. "Through this project we seek to ensure that our people have access to clean water and prevent incidences where our people share unsafe water with animals in rivers. We will serve close to 150, 000 people in 22 villages once this scheme is completed", said Minister Mokonyane.
The Northern Cape is a largely mining and agricultural economy based province and the Vaal Gamagara Water Supply Scheme will further create opportunities for the development of new mining ventures and agricultural activity.
"We are working closely with the private sector to ensure that this investment becomes a catalyst for future mining opportunities and agricultural industries. We are not just providing water but opening the Northern Cape for development by providing this necessary resource for development.
"Through this project we will create 1, 500 employment opportunities and down the line, with the potential economic opportunities that will follow this development, the people of the Northern Cape will benefit immensely", added Minister Mokonyane.
The project will commence in July 2016 and should be completed in July 2018.
"Through this project will be able guarantee sustainable water supply for the Northern Cape up to 2040 and also support our neighbours in Botswana with access to water", concluded Minister Mokonyane.
Northern Cape Premier, Ms. Sylvia Lucas, welcomed the project and the benefits and opportunities it will unlock for the Northern Cape.
The Deputy-Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Ms. Pamela Tshwete, Economic Development, Mr. Masuku, and Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs, Mr. Obed Bapela, supported and attended the launch.
For more information contact:
Mlimandlela Ndamase
Ministerial Spokesperson
Cell: 083 480 014
