A multimillion-rand water and sanitation project has been announced for communities living in Colesberg in the Northern Cape.

Water Affairs Minister Edna Molewa announced this yesterday, addressing major concerns for the area, including inadequate access to proper sanitation and potable water.

“Plans are also in place to address part of the sanitation backlog in Colesberg with the provision of water borne sanitation,” she said.

The water projects will include upgrading the old water infrastructure, which was initially designed to supply water to small communities.

Colesbergis known for its sparse rainfalland dependence on the flow of the Orange River that runs through it.

Molewa noted with concern that the Umsobomvu Municipality “was currently not monitoring and reporting on non-revenue water and water losses”.

Waste Water Treatment Works

The Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas, on behalf of the minister, officially launched the Colesberg Waste Water Treatment Works in the Umsobomvu Local Municipality.The plant was built at a cost of R23 million.