In a bid to overcome unprecedented water interruptions and enhance the quality of water supply, the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality is set to embark on a transformative journey through the Sol Plaatje Bulk Infrastructure Refurbishment Programme (SPBIRP). This initiative comes as a response to the challenges posed by ageing water infrastructure and a shortfall in the municipal budget for maintenance.
The Problem According to SPM:
“Over the years, the municipality has grappled with water interruptions due to the backlog in maintaining its ageing water infrastructure. The inadequate budget has hindered the municipality’s ability to conduct proper maintenance, repairs, or refurbishments, causing inconvenience and hardship for the community.”
The Solution: R2.5 Billion BFI
“A significant step forward in addressing these challenges is the approval of R2.5 billion in funding by the National Treasury through the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI). This funding is a crucial lifeline that will enable the municipality to implement a comprehensive plan to upgrade infrastructure, reduce water losses, and enhance water quality.”
What Has Been Done:
- Emergency Phase (Starting February 2024):
- Critical upgrades at the Riverton Water Treatment Works.
- Emergency meter installations and pressure management initiatives.
- Medium Phase:
- Primary repairs and replacements of main water supply pipelines.
- Replacement of filters and backwash procedures at Riverton’s new plant.
- Installation of bulk meters and pressure management in the Ritchie area.
- Long Term Phase:
- Enhancement of storage capacity to meet future demands.
- Comprehensive refurbishments and upgrades of the Newton Reservoirs.
- Implementation of wastewater reuse initiatives for sustainable resource management.
Projects to Improve Water Security:
- Riverton Water Treatment Works:
- Various refurbishment projects on old and new plants to improve production capacity and water quality.
- Bulk Pipelines between Riverton and Newton Reservoir:
- Various projects to repair and replace supply pipelines and valves to reduce water losses.
- Newton Reservoir:
- Various projects to fix leakages at the reservoirs, supply pipelines, and booster pumps.
- Kimberley Water Network:
- Various projects related to network zoning, water leak detection, pipe replacement, and meter replacement.
Understanding the Water Journey:
“It is crucial to comprehend the water journey from the Vaal River Abstraction Point at Riverton to Kimberley. All components of the water supply system require urgent attention to ensure uninterrupted supply in the future.”
Seeking Support and Cooperation:
“The Sol Plaatje Municipality earnestly seeks the continued support and cooperation of the community during this refurbishment process. Short-term inconveniences may arise, but every effort will be made to minimize them, with formal communication provided to all residents.”
Our Commitment to You:
“The Sol Plaatje Municipality is committed to resolving water supply disruptions and ensuring quality service delivery. While challenges may arise during the process, decisive actions are being taken to secure a brighter tomorrow for the community. The municipality extends heartfelt gratitude for the community’s resilience, understanding, and commitment to the shared goal of uninterrupted and quality water supply.”