By Lebone Rodah Mosima and Charmaine Ndlela
The Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Driekoppies Water Treatment Works project in Nkomazi Local Municipality, Mpumalanga, but remains concerned about high water losses.
This after his oversight visit to the Driekoppies Water Treatment Works project in Nkomazi Local Municipality last Thursday.
Mahlobo was accompanied by the Mpumalanga MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Speedy Mashilo, mayor of Ehlanzeni District, Terra Shabangu and the mayor of Nkomazi Local Municipality, Phindile Magagula.
“We are very pleased that the new contractor is ahead of schedule and the MEC and myself have directed them that the builders’ holiday has been postponed. In other words, they will put more additional hours and teams. By next year March, an additional 10 megalitres capacity will be available,” said Mahlobo.
The Driekoppies Water Treatment Works project is part of the Driekoppies Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme project is funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation under the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) with Ehlanzeni District Municipality as the Implementing Agent.
The project entails upgrading of Driekoppies Water Treatment Works from 20 megalitres per day (ml/d) to 40 ml/d as well as construction of bulk distribution pipelines, storage facilities and pump stations to augment potable water supply to Driekoppies and surrounding areas.
While he expressed satisfaction with the work done so far, Mahlobo also expressed concern with the high water losses experienced in the municipal water supply system.
“The MEC and myself have agreed that the current system in Nkomazi has weaknesses. There are a number of communities that don’t have water and there are too much water losses. We have given them a period of seven days to work a concrete plan under the technical team led by HOD (Head of Department) of COGHSTA supported by the Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the District, under the leadership of the MEC and myself,” he added.
Mashilo also raised concern over the high water losses and expressed his appreciation for the support provided by the Department.
He commended the stance of collaborative work to ensure the effective implementation of bulk water and sanitation projects.
“We appreciate the support from the Department of Water and Sanitation through Deputy Minister Mahlobo. The upgrading of the water treatment scheme will improve the availability and supply of drinking water to various nearby villages. We promise to ensure the provision of equitable and excellent quality water supply as well as dignified sanitation for all,” said Mashilo.
“There is quite promising work and as the Deputy Minister has said, we are looking forward to March 2026 to add the additional 10 megalitres. Obviously, the key issue is the water losses, and we are looking forward to the plan in seven days. We are quite happy with the interventions of national government.”
Shabangu and Magagula also praised the progress made and the cooperation across government spheres.
Meanwhile, residents in areas such as Kamaqhekeza, Block C, Dludluma, Ngwenyeni, and Steenbok recently staged protests over persistent water shortages, accusing the municipality of years of neglect and corruption.
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