Minister inspects Kimberley’s multibillion-rand water upgrade

THE MINISTER of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina, conducted an oversight inspection of the R2.7 billion Sol Plaatje Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project. She was joined by Sol Plaatje executive mayor Martha Bartlett, municipal manager Thapelo Matlala, and the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Bentley Vass.

During the visit on July 26, city engineer Blessing Mukosi drank a glass of water from the tap at the plant as a testament to the quality of the water.

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson Amogelang Moholoeng said the multibillion-rand project, located at the old Riverton water treatment plant, forms part of the department’s interventions in the Northern Cape and aims to assist Sol Plaatje Municipality in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to provide water and sanitation services.

Moholoeng explained that Sol Plaatje Municipality applied for Budget Facility Infrastructure (BFI) funding through the DWS’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) programme and the National Treasury. The funding supports the refurbishment and upgrade of the bulk water supply system, and aims to address the high levels of non-revenue water. The goal is to improve the reliability and quality of the water supply and enhance revenue for long-term municipal sustainability.

He said that the project involves the refurbishment and repair of existing infrastructure and will be implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1: Emergency intervention to restore water supply and water quality.
• Phase 2: Emergency work focused on water treatment and quality improvements.
• Phase 3: Long-term interventions, including the development of various water storage facilities.

The visit follows a separate inspection last week by the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Sello Seitlholo, who visited Kamfers Dam and the Homevale Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Seitlholo delivered a scathing critique of the Sol Plaatje Municipality, accusing it of failing to address water losses, pollution, and the repair of ageing infrastructure. He criticised officials for prioritising politics over service delivery, noting that he was snubbed during his oversight visit.

Seitlholo noted that, despite ongoing challenges, the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality had the potential to improve water pollution levels in some canals, as well as address issues of vandalism and illegal connections.

He said 73 percent of water users are not registered, which is contributing to significant water losses. While there are serious demands on the wastewater treatment system, the situation is not entirely dire.

Seitlholo added that he had a productive engagement with municipal officials in Kuruman.

"I was encouraged by their willingness and openness to possible resolutions to improve sanitation-related challenges,” he said.