The Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme project is a collaborative effort between various government entities to provide a reliable supply of potable water to over 52,000 households in the Moretele Local Municipality in North West. Minister Senzo Mchunu recently visited the construction sites of the 25 megalitre per day (ml/d) Reservoir in Dilopye Village and the 36.2 km bulk pipeline in Mogogelo to assess the progress made.
Multi-Phased Project
The Department of Water and Sanitation’s entity, Magalies Water, is responsible for implementing the multi-phased Moretele South Bulk Water Supply Scheme project. With a budget of R640,617,000 allocated from the Department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), the project is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of Moretele’s residents.
The first phase involved upgrading the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works, increasing its capacity from 18 ml/d to 42 ml/d, which was completed in 2022. This was crucial in ensuring an adequate supply of potable water for the area’s residents. Phase 2 of the project involved constructing a 30-kilometer bulk pipeline, while the current and third phase focuses on the construction of a reservoir and bulk pipeline, scheduled for completion in June 2024.
Reliable Supply of Drinking Water
The construction of the reservoir will provide a consistent source of water while storing excess water to ensure a continuous and uninterrupted supply to seven villages in the far west of Moretele. These villages have long relied on unstable sources of drinking water such as boreholes, private water tankering, and rainwater harvesting. Minister Mchunu expressed optimism about the progress made and assured the community that a reliable water supply would soon reach their households.
Addressing Sewerage Spillages
In addition to the water supply project, “Operation Bulela Metsi” is also addressing sewerage spillages in the Rustenburg Local Municipality. Acting Premier Nono Maloyi recently visited the Boitekong Sewer Pump Station Outfall Sewer and the Tlhabane Outfall Sewer to assess the work being done to resolve these issues. The upgrades to the pipelines began on June 1, 2023, and should be completed by January 30, 2024.
Firm Commitment to Addressing Water and Sanitation Challenges
The efforts of Minister Mchunu and the other government entities involved in “Operation Bulela Metsi” demonstrate a firm commitment to addressing the water and sanitation challenges facing the residents of Moretele and the North West province. As the project progresses, thousands of households in the region can look forward to a brighter future with access to clean and reliable water sources.
