In its continued efforts to bring water availability relief in drought-stricken Butterworth, the Department of Water and Sanitation in the Eastern Cape is fast-tracking the implementation of the Ngqamakhwe Regional Water Supply Scheme which aims to develop bulk infrastructure and provide permanent water supply in Butterworth.

According to the Department, the bulk water infrastructure will supply approximately 78 000 people in 129 rural villages within the Mnquma Local Municipality.

“We envision that the Ngqamakhwe Bulk Water Supply will provide permanent water solutions to Butterworth town and surrounding areas,” said spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.

He added that the project implementation would entail developing a regional water supply for Ngqamakhwe which will bring permanent water supply in Butterworth from the Tsomo Water Treatment Works.

Works to be carried out include the construction of a 7.5 ML Concrete Reservoir, a 23 m Gravity Bulk line with a diameter of 450 mm as well as electrical and mechanical pump installations, amongst other things.

The Department has reiterated its commitment to ensure the effective implementation of the project and several others being carried out across the province, considering the continued drought situation in some parts of the province.