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VAAL Central Water has acknowledged significant challenges in the Namakwa region due to ageing infrastructure, broken pipelines, and frequent pipe leaks.
The Nama Khoi Local Municipality recently expressed its frustration over its inability to provide residents with a consistent water supply, blaming the Vaal Central Water Board for failing to resolve the ongoing water crisis.
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Vaal Central Water's marketing and communications manager, Lindiwe Mnguni, explained that the Namakwa Regional Water Supply Scheme serves the Nama Khoi Municipality, as well as other customers, including Eskom and local businesses.
“Built in 1978, the scheme faces significant challenges due to ageing infrastructure, leading to frequent leaks along the high-pressure main line between Henkries water treatment works (WTW) and Doringwater pump station,” said Mnguni.
She highlighted a collaborative intervention in 2021, led by the South African Human Rights Commission, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Vaal Central Water, and the Nama Khoi Municipality, that aimed to address water supply issues, the municipality's outstanding debt, and the ongoing refurbishment of the water scheme.
“To provide immediate relief, an 18,000-litre water tanker was deployed to deliver water to affected communities during service interruptions,” Mnguni added.
She further noted that significant progress has been made, including the replacement of the 56-kilometre, 5,000-millimetre pipeline between Springbok and Steinkopf.
“As part of the Namakwa Regional Water Supply Scheme renewal project, the river pump station and filters at the Henkries water treatment works will be refurbished. The pipeline at the Bulletrap off-take will be bypassed.”
She added that a contractor has been appointed for further refurbishment.
“Work is scheduled to begin in January 2025. Upgrades will be done to the Henkriesmond, Henkries WTW high-lift and Doringwater pump stations. Work will be done on the renewal of the raw water pipeline between the Orange River and the treatment works. The rising main pipeline between the treatment works and the Eenriet reservoir will be rehabilitated."
Mnguni assured that upon completion, the current water challenges faced by the Nama Khoi Municipality and other customers would be comprehensively resolved.
“The Nama Khoi Local Municipality has been kept informed about water supply challenges and progress on the renewal project through established communication platforms. These channels enable collaboration between Vaal Central Water and the municipality to address water-related issues effectively.
“Additionally, water supply interruptions have been communicated to the municipality and shared on Vaal Central Water’s social media platforms to ensure transparency.”
She urged the municipality to honour its financial obligations. “Such support is essential for the continuous improvement of services and successful implementation of infrastructure upgrades.
“Efforts remain focused on ensuring the uninterrupted supply of water to all Namakwa Regional Water Supply Scheme customers, despite the challenges posed by ageing infrastructure. Open engagement with all stakeholders will continue while addressing water supply challenges with urgency and diligence,” Mnguni concluded.