Kirkwood: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has reaffirmed government’s commitment to fast-track the rollout of bulk water infrastructure projects across the country. Majodina made the commitment during the official handover of the Kirkwood Bulk Water Project to the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality, on Monday.
According to South African Government News Agency, the R35 million Kirkwood Bulk Water Project was funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG). This initiative represents a significant investment in water security for the Kirkwood community and the Eastern Cape province. Implemented by Amatola Water, the project features a new 14 million-litre raw water storage dam, increasing the total storage capacity from 20.2 million litres to 34.2 million litres, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply even during the annual maintenance shutdown of the Orange-Fish Water Scheme.
Additionally, the project delivered two new 3.0-megalitre reservoirs in Kirkwood Town and Bontrug (Moses Mabida), along with critical pipework upgrades to improve water distribution efficiency and reduce losses. These enhancements provide reliable water access for 3,963 households and benefit an estimated population of 16,778. The improved infrastructure is also expected to support the local citrus industry by enhancing water reliability for agricultural operations, thus safeguarding jobs and export revenues.
During the handover ceremony, Majodina emphasized that the completion of the Kirkwood Bulk Water Project is a testament to the government’s commitment to water security. She stated, “We are now entering a phase where we must – and will – fast-track the rollout of bulk water projects across the country with speed, focus, and accountability. Water is not a luxury; it is a basic right and a driver of economic growth, health, and dignity.”
Majodina urged the public to protect water infrastructure and collaborate with the government to prevent and report any acts of vandalism or theft that threaten water systems. “These projects belong to the people; when infrastructure is destroyed, it is our communities, our families, and our children who suffer,” she said.
The project, which commenced in July 2023 and is expected to complete in March 2025, has already brought economic benefits during its construction phase by generating 41 jobs for local community members and engaging 10 local small businesses. The project components include a 14-million-litre raw water lay dam at the Kirkwood Water Treatment Works, associated infrastructure, two 3.0-million-litre reservoirs, and interlinking pipework to enable efficient water distribution.
Majodina was accompanied by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Mayor, Deon de Vos, and Sundays River Valley Local Municipality Mayor, Solethu Lucas.