Water security for the arid Northern Cape has taken a major step forward, with Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo announcing a political steering committee to fast-track Phase 2 of the R14.9 billion Vaal-Gamagara Bulk Water Supply Scheme — one of South Africa’s landmark public-private infrastructure partnerships.
Mahlobo made the announcement in Kathu this week after meeting stakeholders alongside Northern Cape MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Bentley Vass, and Gamagara Local Municipality Executive Mayor Johannes Roman. The gathering brought together the Vaal-Gamagara Water User Association, the Vaal Central Water Board, the Mining Labour Forum and the Kalahari Water User Association to assess progress on the mega-project.
A True Partnership: Private Sector Funding 56%
Located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality, the scheme is a showcase of what collaboration can achieve. The private sector — mining companies, farmers and industrial water users — is contributing 56% of the project’s funding, with government providing the remaining 44%. It is a model of shared investment in shared prosperity.
The results are already flowing. Phase 1, valued at R1.4 billion, was completed in 2022 and today supplies water to municipalities, mines, the agricultural sector and about 6,000 households in the Gamagara and Tsantsabane Local Municipalities.
Phase 2 is even more ambitious: the upgrade of the remaining 300-kilometre pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station to Roscoe near Kathu, together with new pump stations and reservoirs. Once complete, the scheme will strengthen water supply for communities, municipalities, mines, farmers and industries across the John Taolo Gaetsewe District.
Stable Supply and Better Water Quality
Mahlobo was briefed on the performance of the existing scheme and praised the turnaround at the Gamagara Water Treatment Works, crediting the technical expertise of the Vaal Central Water Board.
“I am pleased to note that the management of the Gamagara Water Treatment Works has improved because of the technical capacity that the Vaal Central Water Board is bringing on board. I am told in the months of April, May and June, water supply to water users has been stable in terms of pumping and distribution.”
The Deputy Minister also inspected the Olifantshoek reservoir and expressed satisfaction with the newly installed chlorination system, which has improved water quality for residents.
To keep supply reliable in the Northern Cape’s harsh climate, the Vaal Central Water Board has developed a Trigger Response Plan, working with municipalities and stakeholders to tackle any challenge that may arise. An optimisation system is also in place to address water losses across the network.
Full Speed Ahead for Phase 2
Mahlobo said finalising institutional arrangements remains a priority, including a Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Water and Sanitation as guarantor, Vaal Central Water as asset manager and the Mining Forum — a step that will allow Phase 2 to move with speed.
The new political steering committee will track progress and clear obstacles, ensuring that this massive investment translates into taps that run, farms that flourish and mines and industries that can grow with confidence. For the people of the Northern Cape, the Vaal-Gamagara scheme is proof that big infrastructure dreams can — and do — become reality.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
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