Minister Majodina to Inspect R2.7B Sol Plaatje Bulk Water Project in N Cape

Following approval, the DWS launched the Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project at the old Riverton Water Treatment Plant, which supplies bulk potable water to Kimberley and surrounding areas.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will on Saturday lead an oversight inspection of the multibillion-rand Sol Plaatje Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project in the Northern Cape, as government intensifies efforts to address water supply challenges and modernize bulk infrastructure in the region. The project—valued at more than R2.7 billion—represents a flagship intervention to improve water quality, reduce system losses, and strengthen long-term sustainability in one of South Africa’s most water-stressed provinces.

Background: Urgent Need for Reliable Water Supply

The Sol Plaatje Local Municipality, headquartered in Kimberley, has for years faced mounting water challenges marked by aging infrastructure, frequent supply disruptions, and poor water quality—particularly affecting marginalized communities. With growing demand and deteriorating assets, the municipality applied to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and National Treasury for support through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) programme.

Following approval, the DWS launched the Integrated Bulk Water Intervention Project at the old Riverton Water Treatment Plant, which supplies bulk potable water to Kimberley and surrounding areas.

“This project responds directly to the constitutional obligation of municipalities to provide reliable and safe water services,” said a DWS spokesperson.

Project Objectives and Strategic Benefits

The intervention is designed to upgrade and modernize the existing bulk water infrastructure to meet current and future demand. The core goals include:

• Restoring and stabilizing water supply

• Improving water quality and treatment standards

• Reducing non-revenue water losses from leaks, theft, and inefficiencies

• Enhancing financial sustainability of the Sol Plaatje Municipality through improved operational performance

• Extending infrastructure lifespan via rehabilitation rather than full replacement

Importantly, the project aims to boost public confidence in municipal services and ensure equitable access to clean water.

Project Phasing: From Emergency to Long-Term Resilience

Given the urgent and complex nature of the intervention, the project is being implemented in three structured phases:

• Phase 1 – Emergency Intervention: This phase focuses on stabilizing the system by restoring water supply and improving immediate water quality through emergency repairs and optimization of the Riverton plant. It includes replacement of critical pump sets, pipe repairs, and chemical dosing systems.

• Phase 2 – Emergency Upgrade Works: This stage introduces technical upgrades to the water treatment system, increasing its capacity and reliability. Works include the refurbishment of filtration units, the introduction of advanced chlorination systems, and electrical and mechanical upgrades.

• Phase 3 – Long-Term Infrastructure Development: The final phase will invest in the development of new water storage reservoirs, improved pressure management systems, and integration of telemetry for remote monitoring. This phase supports a future-ready bulk water system that is climate-resilient and adaptable.

Oversight and Governance

Minister Majodina’s site visit will include inspections of completed and ongoing works, meetings with contractors and engineers, and community engagement. The oversight is part of the department’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and on-time delivery of critical infrastructure projects.

“This is more than just an engineering project—it is about restoring dignity to communities through the consistent delivery of water, which is a fundamental human right,” Majodina said ahead of the visit.

The department is also coordinating with the Northern Cape Provincial Government and Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency (MISA) to ensure cross-government collaboration and technical support.

Broader Context: National Infrastructure Acceleration

The Sol Plaatje project is one of several major infrastructure initiatives being rolled out under the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050. It aligns with national goals to:

• Strengthen basic service delivery

• Create infrastructure-related employment

• Improve the financial health of local government entities

• Respond proactively to climate-related water stress

The project is expected to create hundreds of temporary jobs, boost local enterprise participation through procurement, and lay the groundwork for future investment in water-smart cities.

The Road Ahead

Once completed, the Sol Plaatje Bulk Water Intervention Project is expected to supply high-quality water reliably to thousands of households, reduce costly emergency repairs, and enable better fiscal management within the municipality. More importantly, it will serve as a model for similar projects in other high-risk municipalities.

“This is a long-term investment in community health, economic resilience, and public trust,” the department concluded.

As South Africa faces growing water security threats, projects like these will be critical to building a sustainable, inclusive, and service-oriented municipal sector.