The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has officially handed over the completed Avon Water Project in the Blouberg Local Municipality, within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo, bringing much-needed water services to the Ga-Seakamela community.
The R22.9 million project, funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), was implemented to assist the Capricorn District Municipality in addressing longstanding water supply challenges in the village, which previously did not have a reliable source of water.
The handover ceremony held on Friday, was led by DWS Limpopo Provincial Head Lucy Kobe, alongside Capricorn District Municipality Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor Maria Thamaga, and representatives from Lepelle Northern Water.
As part of the programme, the delegation conducted site visits, including to Selaelo Primary School, where boreholes have been installed to improve water access.
Kobe said the project includes two newly drilled boreholes and four refurbished ones, with a combined yield of 604.8 kilolitres per day at a 24-hour pumping cycle.
“In addition, the project includes five pump houses, a 200-kilolitre elevated steel tank, the construction of three kilometres of bulk pipeline and one kilometre of galvanised steel pipeline connecting boreholes to storage reservoirs, as well as the reticulation of 100 standpipes and palisade fencing for the infrastructure,” Kobe said.
Local government leaders welcomed the project, noting its positive impact on residents’ quality of life.
Kobe also urged communities to safeguard water infrastructure against vandalism and to use water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability.
The handover forms part of activities marking National Water Month and contributes to the global observance of World Water Day on 22 March.
The event concluded with a community engagement session at Ditlou Sports Grounds, where residents expressed appreciation for ongoing service delivery efforts.
New water project to boost supply in Harry Gwala District
Meanwhile, the department, in partnership with the Harry Gwala District Municipality, is set to officially launch the Bhongweni Water Supply Project in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, as part of National Water Month.
The project is expected to significantly improve access to clean, safe and reliable water for underserved rural communities in the Harry Gwala District.
Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by DWS and implemented by the Harry Gwala District Municipality.
Located in Greater Kokstad, the Bhongweni Water Supply Project is funded by the department and implemented by the municipality.
According to the department, the scope of work includes upgrading approximately five kilometres of secondary bulk pipeline to a 315mm diameter, running from the water treatment works to the distribution reservoir supplying the Bhongweni area.
“It also includes upgrading a service reservoir to a capacity of 2.5 megalitres, as well as the extension and upgrading of reticulation mains to accommodate both existing households and future developments,” the department said.
Once completed, the project will provide reliable water supply to 3,783 households in Bhongweni Township, with infrastructure designed to support up to 5,626 households by 2047.
“This forward-looking investment ensures long-term water security for a growing community and highlights government’s ongoing commitment to closing service delivery gaps and ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing this basic human right,” the department said.
For many households in Bhongweni and surrounding areas, the project represents a critical step toward dignity, improved health, and sustainable livelihoods. – SAnews.gov.za
