The Nama Khoi coalition municipality has secured a significant R114 million funding injection from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) to upgrade aging pump stations owned by the Vaal Central Water Board.
Rodney Kritzinger, the DA Mayor of Nama Khoi, confirmed this in a media statement on Wednesday.
The Namakwa Regional Water Supply Scheme, originally constructed over 40 years ago by the Department of Water Affairs to serve the greater Springbok area, including Steinkopf, Bulletrap, Okiep, Nababeep, Springbok, Carolusberg, Concordia, and Kleinzee, is in urgent need of refurbishment due to its age and historical lack of maintenance.
“This long-overdue upgrade is essential,” said Kritzinger.
“The scheme’s deteriorating condition has severely disrupted water supply, adversely affecting our communities.”
While the benefits of the project won’t be immediate, the extensive upgrade, initiated on 1 March 2025, promises lasting relief from persistent water supply challenges faced by Nama Khoi residents.
Additionally, the coalition municipality has committed to settling inherited debt with the Vaal Central Water Board, fostering a more collaborative partnership that aims to resolve outstanding financial obligations, akin to ongoing efforts with Eskom.
Moreover, the installation of a new electrical network from Komaggas to Buffelsrivier will enhance power reliability for Buffelsrivier, complementing efforts to bolster water security in both towns.
Kritzinger expressed gratitude to residents for their patience, emphasising the municipality’s dedication to safeguarding and expanding sustainable water provision as a fundamental human right.
“I wish to thank residents for their patience and endurance, as we work towards improving sustainable water provision to all communities in Nama Khoi. Water is a basic human right and the coalition municipality is doing our utmost to protect and expand it,” he said.
INSIDE METROS