Sustainable water supply efforts in the Witzenberg region were given a boost yesterday when the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Witzenberg Local Municipality turned the sod on the R48 million Tulbagh Bulk Water Supply Project.

DWS co-funded R 43 Milliom with Witzenberg Local Municipality co-funded R 5 Million

The Witzenberg Local Municipality experienced serious water problems during the 2004/5 drought period, specifically in the town of Tulbagh.

An investigation was conducted in 2008 which quantified all available water resources (surface and ground water). The investigation found that there were major inadequacies around the available water resources in Tulbagh, Wolseley, and Prince Alfred Hamlet (PAH).

To augment water supply, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has co-funded the construction of the Tulbagh Bulk Water Supply Project through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) to the tune of R43 Million, with the Witzenberg LM pitching in with R5 Million.

Boniswa Hene, the DWS Western Cape Acting Provincial Head, says the DWS is pleased that this project will bring significant socio-economic benefits, including much-needed job opportunities during construction, and will unlock low-cost housing development upon completion.

The project will further improve water security in this region as it will bring additional 450 Million cubic litres.

Additionally, Hene states that the National Government reaffirms its commitment to support deserving and vulnerable local authorities with funds to build or refurbish water and sanitation infrastructure.

“We wish the team guiding this project all the best and hope it is completed on time, on budget, and according to specifications”, Hene concludes.