The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has resolved to establish a political steering committee to monitor and fast-track the implementation of the R14.9-billion Vaal Gamagara bulk water supply scheme project (VGBWSS), in Northern Cape.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, during a site visit this week, said that, under the political steering committee, the project managers would be expected to report on a monthly basis on the progress of the project.

During the visit, Mahlobo was briefed on the performance of the current scheme, progress on the Phase 2 project, governance arrangements, implementation milestones and challenges affecting progress of the whole mega bulk water supply project.

The VGBWSS project, located in the John Taolo Gaetsewe district municipality, is a landmark public-private collaboration model between government and the private sector, including commercial water users such as mines, farmers and industries.

The private sector water users are committing 56% of the required funding, while government is contributing 44%.

Phase 1, valued at R1.4-billion, was completed in 2022 and is currently providing water to various mines, municipalities, the agricultural sector and about 6 000 households in Gamagara and Tsantsabane local municipalities.

The second phase of the water project includes the upgrade of about 300 km of the remaining pipeline from the Vaal River pump station to Roscoe near Kathu, as well as associated water infrastructure such as pump stations and reservoirs.

The completion of the second phase will benefit municipalities, mines, farmers and other industries within the John Taolo Gaetsewe district.

“[I am] pleased to note that the management of the Gamagara water treatment works plant 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. I also visited the Olifantshoek water reservoir and was pleased to see that the reservoir has a good chlorination system in place to address water quality issues.”

Mahlobo also assured that the water supply system was being managed to ensure that there is assurance of supply for all water users.

“Owing to the extreme weather in the Northern Cape that could affect capacity, the Vaal Central Water Board has come up with what they call a Trigger Response Plan through which they will be working with municipalities and stakeholders to tackle any challenge that may arise. Water losses are also being addressed as there is an optimisation system in place.”

In terms of institutional arrangements, he said that there was a need to urgently finalise the Tripartite memorandum of understanding between the DWS, as the guarantor, Vaal Central Water, as the asset manager, and the Mining Forum to enable Phase 2 of the VGBWSS to move with speed.

“It should not take us long to finalise issues of designs and water authorisations. Commitment on finances also needs to be finalised,” he said.

The VGBWSS is critical as the area mostly comprises desert areas which lack rainfall.

The project is central to improving long-term water security, supporting economic growth and sustaining mining and industrial activities that contribute significantly to the provincial and national economy.

Mahlobo, together with Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs MEC Bentley Vass and Gamagara local municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Johannes Roman, met with various stakeholders on July 7, including representatives from Vaal-Gamagara Water User Association, Vaal Central Water Board, Mining Labour Forum and Kalahari Water User Association and the Gamagara local municipality to assess the project status of the bulk water supply project.