President Jacob Zuma officially launch the Ncorha Water Treatment Works at Bhanti village, Ncorha, in the Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province.

The Ncorha Water Treatment Works forms part of the Government Infrastructure Development Programme which is aimed at providing services to communities and transform the economic landscape of the country.

The R64 million project was funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation. It is estimated to benefit 18 429 families from 208 villages in the four surrounding municipalities. In addition, the project has created 188 jobs, with local people, the youth and women being major beneficiaries.

Addressing community members at the launch, Zuma said the launch of the Ncora Bulk Water Project is a step forward in ensuring government improves people’s quality of life.

He added that government has been extending water access to various communities throughout the country, launching new projects every week.

“We have been opening water infrastructure projects all over the country on a continuous basis, as we improve access to this basic necessity,” he said.