South Africa Establishes Political Steering Committee to Advance Vaal-Gamagara Water Supply Project Worth R14.9 Billion
en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in South Africa has decided to establish a political steering committee to oversee and accelerate the implementation of the Vaal Gamagara bulk water supply scheme project (VGBWSS), valued at R14.9 billion, located in the Northern Cape Province.
Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, stated during a site visit this week that the political steering committee will require project managers to report monthly on project progress. During the visit, Mahlobo received briefings on the current operational status of the water supply system, progress on the second phase of the project, governance arrangements, implementation milestones, and challenges affecting the advancement of the entire large-scale water supply project.
The VGBWSS project, situated in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, is a landmark public-private partnership between the government and the private sector, including commercial water users such as mines, farms, and industries. Private sector water users have committed to covering 56% of the required funding, with the government bearing the remaining 44%.
The first phase, costing R1.4 billion, was completed in 2022 and currently supplies water to multiple mines, municipalities, agricultural sectors, and approximately 6,000 households in the Gamagara and Tsantsabane local municipalities. The second phase involves upgrading the remaining approximately 300 kilometers of pipeline from the Vaal River pump station to Roscoe near Kathu, along with related pump stations, reservoirs, and other water infrastructure. Upon completion of the second phase, municipalities, mines, farmers, and other industries in the John Taolo Gaetsewe region will benefit.
Mahlobo noted that the operational management of the Gamagara Water Treatment Plant has improved due to the technical capabilities introduced by the Vaal Central Water Board. According to his understanding, water supply in April, May, and June remained stable in terms of pumping and distribution. He visited the Olifantshoek reservoir and observed that it is equipped with a well-functioning chlorination system to address water quality issues. Mahlobo also assured that the management of the water supply system will ensure guaranteed supply for all water users. Due to extreme weather conditions in the Northern Cape that may affect water supply capacity, the Vaal Central Water Board has developed a "trigger response plan" to address potential challenges through collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders. Water loss issues are also being addressed through system optimization.
Regarding institutional arrangements, Mahlobo stated that a tripartite memorandum of understanding among the DWS as the guarantor, the Vaal Central Water Board as the asset manager, and the mining forum needs to be finalized as soon as possible to accelerate the second phase of the VGBWSS. He pointed out that design and authorization issues should not take too long, and funding commitments also need to be finalized.
The VGBWSS project is critical for the region, as much of it is desert and lacks rainfall. The project aims to improve long-term water security, support economic growth, and sustain mining and industrial activities that significantly contribute to the provincial and national economy. Mahlobo, along with Minister of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, and Executive Mayor of Gamagara Local Municipality, Councillor Johannes Roman, met with various stakeholders on July 7, including representatives from the Vaal-Gamagara Water User Association, the Vaal Central Water Board, the Mining Labour Forum, the Kalahari Water User Association, and the Gamagara Local Municipality, to assess the current status of the large-scale water supply project.
