The Mzimvubu Water Project is nearing its design stage, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) told its stakeholders last week, updating them on progress to date.

President Jacob Zuma launched the R12.45 billion Mzimvubu Water Project in 2014 as part of the country’s infrastructure development programme. The project includes the construction of two dams, a hydropower plant at Laleni, bulk water distribution infrastructure and infield irrigation developments in the area.

The multi-purpose water project is nearing its design stage and is seen as a socio-economic development booster not only for the area but for the Eastern Cape in general.

 

Promoting local labour

As part of progress made to date, the stakeholder engagement noted that the procurement strategy of the project aims to maximise job opportunities and the use of local labour. The use of local suppliers will also be promoted and based on the feasibility study conducted approximately 6700 employment opportunities will be created during the construction phase of the project.

This is in line with the announcement by Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane in her budget vote address that people should not only benefit as tap openers but as meaningful contributors to the sector, and that women, youth and the disabled should be the first to benefit.

 

Other progress

Stakeholders were also updated on the process of appointing a Project Management Office (PMO) that will be dedicated to deal with issues of economic and social upliftment. Matters pertaining to implementing this project have been finalised. The process for resourcing this office has also commenced and vacancies are being advertised.

A social facilitator has also been appointed by DWS to manage the concerns of the stakeholders and be able to provide progress updates as and when needed.

Portia Makhanya, Regional Head of DWS’ Eastern Cape office, emphasised that the Mzimvubu Water Project is not being implemented on virgin ground but rather is aligned to the preliminary infrastructure that is currently available. She added that the water project is meant to ensure that water security and sustainability for the community of Mzimvubu is maintained.

 

Mzimvubu Water Project

The Mzimvubu River is the largest undeveloped water resource in South Africa and the benefits to be derived from the use of this river are potentially of national importance.

The first dam in the project, the Ntabelanga Dam on the Tsitsa River, will store approximately 490 million m3 of water and once completed, will be the 10th largest dam in South Africa.

The dam is strategically placed for possible supply to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Orange/Vaal River System in the longer term.

The Laleni Dam will be used for hydro power generation and has potential to generate 35 megawatts of base power or up to 180 megawatts of peaking power when operated jointly with the Ntabelanga Dam.

The OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo and Joe Gqabi districts will all benefit from this massive project which aims to provide domestic water supply to an excess of 720 000 households.

A central water treatment works with a bulk distribution program will form the cornerstone of the water network in this area and will be used as a hub to develop much needed skills in the region.