On Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, and Northern Cape Premier, Dr. Zamani Saul, held a meeting with the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberley. The meeting resulted in the formation of a steering committee tasked with addressing the city’s water and sanitation challenges. This decision was made after the municipality raised concerns regarding bulk water supply and community reticulation.
Technical Team to Devise Turnaround Strategy for Sol Plaatje Municipality’s Water Problems
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the municipality have formed a committee to devise a turnaround strategy for Sol Plaatjie Municipality’s water problems. The committee comprises a technical team from both organizations and is under the political oversight of Minister Mchunu and the Northern Cape’s political leadership.
Issues with Water and Sanitation Infrastructure in Sol Plaatje Municipality
As a Water Services Authority, Sol Plaatje Local Municipality is responsible for waste water management, treatment of raw water, and reticulation. However, DWS’s routine inspections and interactions with the municipality revealed poor operation and maintenance of both water and sanitation infrastructure. These issues lead to sewage spillages, water leaks, and interruptions in the municipality’s water supply.
Directive Issued by DWS for Wastewater Spillages
DWS has previously issued directives regarding wastewater spillages from the overflowing sewer network and pump stations that have pooled inside Kamfersdam and Platfontein pans. The municipality cited financial challenges as a hindrance to addressing the identified problems.
Tackling High Levels of Water Losses Due to Non-Revenue Water
Another issue that the committee will tackle is the high levels of water losses due to non-revenue water, which is estimated to be 64% due to outdated bulk and reticulation infrastructure.
Pledge to Improve Water and Sanitation Services in Sol Plaatje Municipality
“We are endorsing this steering committee and are confident that it will improve the services of water and sanitation in the city. Various issues that include operation and maintenance, loss of water through leaks, and ageing infrastructure will be dealt with decisively. We need to improve water and sanitation services in this municipality and ensure that the people get the services clean running water in their homes,” said Minister Mchunu.
Progress of Vaal Gamagara Phase Two Project
Both the Minister and the Premier have pledged to expedite the progress of the Vaal Gamagara Phase two project, a joint venture between the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Mine Leadership Forum in Northern Cape, which envisions a 260-kilometer pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station to service the communities of John Taolo Gaotsewe District Municipality.
Eradication of the Bucket System
The eradication of the bucket system in the Northern Cape province was also prioritized during the discussions. Currently, there are 7,600 buckets in use, and Minister Mchunu and Premier Saul will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to eliminate the bucket system, particularly in the Campbell area under Siyancuma Local Municipality.
