Pretoria - Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has launched the R18 billion Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme in the Northern Cape, which will augment water supply for about six municipalities and 22 villages.
Speaking at the launch of the scheme on Thursday, Minister Mokonyane said the project, which is the biggest in the country, will change the economy of the province.
The project will involve the construction of a 430km pipeline and the drilling of boreholes to augment water supply for about six municipalities and 22 villages, while ensuring security of supply up to the year 2040.
The project will create no less than 1 500 jobs for people in the areas involved.
“This project will make the economy of the Northern Cape different for generations to come,” Minister Mokonyane told the community gathered at the launch.
The Minister also officially opened a laboratory on the site, as the province does not have a water quality laboratory. Water testing was previously done in the Free State.
During the sod-turning ceremony to launch the Vaal Gamagara project, Minister Mokonyane said her department remains committed to ensuring that the number of people without water is lowered.
“The project will decrease the load off municipalities and assist them to achieve the Blue Drop status, which they have been struggling with,” the Minister said.
She lauded Sedibeng Water, which is facilitating the project.
The first phase of the Vaal Gamagara Scheme, worth R1 billion, will commence soon.
Minister Mokonyane also handed over two 5 000lt water harvesting tanks to Vulavula Food Garden and Pniel Hope Day Care Centre and 140 water container wheelbarrows to selected households. – SAnews.gov.za
