LIMPOPO — Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to evaluate the construction progress of the R19.7 billion Limpopo water project, specifically the second phase of the Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation Project (MCWAP-2A). Accompanied by Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, the ministerial delegation will conduct a comprehensive oversight visit on Tuesday to key infrastructure sites across the province to ensure the massive initiative remains on track.
The MCWAP-2A initiative is designed to fortify the bulk raw water supply for Lephalale and its surrounding regions. At the core of the project is an extensive 140-kilometer pipeline tasked with transferring water from the Crocodile River directly to Lephalale. Beyond the primary pipeline, the infrastructure scope includes an abstraction weir, multiple pump stations, a comprehensive river management system, an operational control centre, and various associated ancillary facilities.
Once fully operational, this critical infrastructure will serve as a vital bulk raw water source for major economic drivers in the region. The project directly supports energy and mining giants, ensuring a reliable supply for Eskom’s Medupi and Matimba power stations, as well as Exxaro’s Grootegeluk mine. Furthermore, it will cater to broader commercial and industrial users, reinforcing the economic backbone of the region.
Beyond industrial applications, the project holds significant socio-economic value for residents. It is expected to drastically strengthen bulk water infrastructure within the Waterberg District Municipality, ensuring that local communities have access to a reliable and sustainable water supply, which is a cornerstone for long-term regional development and public health.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, the primary objective of this oversight visit is to assess the trajectory of this strategic water infrastructure.
“The purpose of the oversight visit is to assess progress on this strategic water infrastructure project, which is critical to strengthening long-term water security and supporting economic and industrial activity in the district,” the Department of Water and Sanitation stated.
During the tour, Majodina and Mahlobo will inspect construction milestones, engage directly with project teams and stakeholders to address implementation challenges, and identify necessary interventions to keep the project implementation on schedule.
The delegation’s itinerary is highly detailed, beginning with a walkabout at the active pipeline-laying works, specifically focusing on Section 6. Following this, the team will travel to Thabazimbi to inspect the Left Bank Abstraction Works. This segment of the tour will include a close examination of the ongoing jet grouting works and the Tocolite site.
The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), the implementing entity of the Department of Water and Sanitation responsible for financing and executing bulk raw water infrastructure, is spearheading the project. Ultimately, this oversight visit will provide the ministerial delegation with crucial, on-the-ground insights into how the ongoing work will translate into long-term water security and economic resilience for the district.
