LIMPOPO — Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has emphasized the urgent need for long-term water solutions in Limpopo, calling for expedited feasibility studies to secure sustainable water sources for municipalities currently dependent on groundwater.
Speaking following a two-day infrastructure handover programme in the Mogalakwena and Blouberg Local Municipalities, Majodina stressed that reliance on groundwater is not a sustainable model. She directed the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to investigate and facilitate feasibility studies aimed at extracting and conveying water from sustainable sources to municipalities that lack surface water access, noting that the department will continue to monitor progress on these plans.
The two-day programme, held from 5 to 6 September, was designed to advance the government’s commitment to providing reliable access to safe drinking water in previously underserved areas. During this period, Majodina officially handed over two completed Water Supply Scheme projects in the Blouberg Local Municipality. Implemented by the Capricorn District Municipality as the Water Services Authority, these projects were funded through the DWS Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG).
With a combined value of R23 million, the Maokeng and Dilaeneng Water Supply Schemes will benefit more than 800 households in the Senwabarwana townships. The projects deliver a comprehensive water supply package, addressing the entire chain from water source development and storage to reticulation and community access points.
The Blouberg handover was conducted alongside Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and Corporate Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs MEC Pule Shayi, who presented the completed facilities to Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor Maria Thamaga.
Capricorn District Municipality Mayor Mamodupi Teffo acknowledged that while the recent projects have significantly improved community access, they still rely primarily on groundwater due to the absence of a local surface water source. Teffo confirmed that the Blouberg, Molemole, and Lepelle Nkumpi Local Municipalities currently lack surface water infrastructure, but collaborative plans are actively being developed with the DWS to draw water from dams in alternative areas to supply these municipalities.
Prior to the Blouberg event, Majodina handed over the completed Jakkalskuil Water Treatment Works to Mogalakwena Local Municipality Mayor Ngoako Taueatsoala. This handover was supported by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Finance MEC Kgabo Mahoai, and MEC Shayi.
Funded by the DWS Regional and Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and implemented by the Mogalakwena Local Municipality, the Jakkalskuil project was executed through five major project packages. The infrastructure includes the Kroomkloof Water Treatment Works, high-lift pump stations, a 3.5 million-litre water storage capacity, the development of new boreholes, and the refurbishment of 26 community reservoirs. This comprehensive scheme is designed to improve reliable water supply to over 42,000 households in Mokopane.
Mayor Taueatsoala described the completion of the Jakkalskuil facility as a monumental step in resolving longstanding water scarcity and inconsistent supply issues within the Bakenberg Cluster, stating that the tide is finally turning for residents who have faced severe challenges for years.
Premier Ramathuba echoed this sentiment, noting that the infrastructure projects delivered in the province represent a critical milestone carrying the hopes and aspirations of thousands of Limpopo residents. She affirmed that the successful delivery of these projects restores public hope and upholds the constitutional right of every citizen to access clean, safe, and reliable water.
