Rustenburg: In a move to improve water security for the residents of the Rustenburg Local Municipality in the North West and Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has handed over upgraded water infrastructure for communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, the commissioning included the upgraded Vaalkop Water Treatment Works Raw Water Pumpstation and the associated Bulk Water Pipeline. These upgrades are designed to respond to growing water demand and ensure long-term water security in the two provinces, as stated by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
Minister Majodina, along with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and members of the Executive Council responsible for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs in the North West, Gaoage Oageng Molapisi, participated in handing over the Vaalkop Water Treatment Works Raw Water Pumpstation upgrade in Rustenburg earlier this week.
The upgrade, which was implemented by Magalies Water from February 2023 and completed in November 2025, aims to ensure a sustainable water supply for Moses Kotane and Rustenburg Local Municipalities in the North West, as well as the Thabazimbi Local Municipality in Limpopo. The pumpstation has been upgraded from a capacity of 240 megalitres per day (ML/day) to 360 ML/day, equipped with ten pump sets designed to efficiently supply raw water to the treatment works, thus strengthening operational reliability and improving water management.
Majodina also commissioned the upgraded Bulk Water Supply Scheme, initiated to address the increasing water demand from the rural communities of Bethanie, Modikoe, and Berseba within the Rustenburg Local Municipality. Implemented by Magalies Water in partnership with Glencore Rhovan PSV Mine, the project involved constructing and installing a 23.4-kilometre bulk potable water pipeline, replacing the ageing asbestos fibre-cement pipeline that was prone to frequent bursts.
The upgraded infrastructure increases bulk water supply capacity to meet the current demand of 7.05 ML/day and future demand projected at 12.60 ML/day. The project also aims to supply additional water volumes to Makolokwe Village, where water access remains critically low.
The second phase of the project, scheduled to commence in March 2026, will include constructing a booster pumpstation at the Bethanie Reservoir. Upon full completion, the project will provide a reliable water supply to a combined population of approximately 144,133 residents.
Minister Majodina commended the public-private partnership between Rustenburg Local Municipality and Glencore Rhovan PSV Mine, noting its positive impact on accelerating service delivery in Bethanie and Modikoe villages. She emphasized the benefits of this investment, highlighting its potential to provide a more reliable water supply for households, support local businesses, and strengthen municipal service delivery.
The Minister also called on communities to protect the newly commissioned infrastructure from vandalism and sabotage, condemning individuals and syndicates who damage water infrastructure for illegal activities. She stated that law enforcement agencies are working closely with the DWS, municipalities, and water boards to address these issues, promising arrests and prosecutions for those undermining service delivery.