Picture: DWS in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Mogale City Local Municipality and the MMC of Infrastructure, conducting an oversight visit at Dr Sefularo Housing Development Project in Hekpoort, Mogale City Local Municipality/Generic

By BAKANG MOKOTO

31 March 2026 – As part of the National Water Month, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) together with Magalies Water and Moretele Local Municipality, officially launched the Moretele South Far West Pipeline on 30 March 2026, in a bid to ensure improved and reliable water supply to various villages and address previous challenges of inconsistent supply within Moretele Local Municipality (MLM).

The department said the City of Tshwane (CoT) has previously supplied water to Moretele Local Municipality through the Temba Water Treatment Works (WTW).

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Acting Provincial Head in North West, Caroline Shai said, however, due to increasing demand within the Hammanskraal area, CoT was unable to meet the water requirements of both areas, resulting in intermittent water supply to MLM. Shai said to address these water supply constraints, Magalies Water identified the need to provide a reliable and sustainable source of potable water.

“Subsequently, the Moretele South Bulk Water Supply (BWS) Project funded by DWS through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) schedule was initiated, with Magalies Water appointed as the Implementing Agent.

“The project aimed to develop a bulk distribution system to supply treated water from Klipdrift WTW to Carousel View, Bosplaas West, Mogogelo, and the Far Western systems of MLM,” she said.

Shai further said as part of the project, four bulk pipelines and a 25 megalitres command reservoir at Dilopye village were constructed to ensure adequate storage and reliable water supply. She added that all bulk pipe lines and Dilopye Reservoir have now been completed, including the Moretele South Far West Pipeline, which connects the reservoir to the Far West systems.

“Moretele South Far West project commenced on 10 July 2023 at the tune of R193 million and achieved practical completion on 02 February 2026.

“The project is now anticipated to supply potable water and improve the living conditions of approximately 43 518 residents across 10 880 households in the villages of Swartdam, Ga-Motla, Ratsiepang, Mmakaunyane, Noroki, Kromkuil and Moeka in Moretele Local Municipality,” said Shai.

She said the pipeline has a capacity to deliver 17 megalitres per day to cater for future demands. Shai said the scope of works for the Moretele South Far West Pipeline included the construction of 38 kilometres of a pipeline ranging from 500 mm to 600mm in diameter together with associated valves and fittings.

“It also included the construction of three steel water tanks, a concrete reservoir. Moretele Local Municipality has also completed 2 500 water reticulations to supply water to the yards in Mmotong, Mogogelo and Ratjiepane, extending further benefits to Swartdam, Norokie, Rabusula, Vuma, Moeka, Ga Mmotla, and Mmakaunyane.

“During the engagement with communities that converged at Ga Motla village, we realised that the project has brought improved access to clean and reliable water supply to the residents at their households,” she said.

However, Shai cautioned the communities to protect the critical infrastructure from vandalism.

“To launch this project is a very important milestone for the department because it will not only improve water supply but will also improve your lives.

“This project launch is also in alignment with this year’s theme of National Water Month, ‘Water’s Role in Gender Equality’ which highlights the critical role women play in households. Women ensure that children are bathed, families are fed, and homes are maintained – but without water, none of this is possible,” she said.

Shai said water is life and it is also very important for water infrastructure that brings that life to be projected and be kept free from being vandalised. She said they therefore appeal to them as the community to protect the critical infrastructure that will bring water supply sustainability and enhance their lives.

Meanwhile, the executive mayor of Moretele Local Municipality, George Manyike also welcomed the successful launch of the Moretele South Far West Pipeline by emphasising the importance of accountability and responsiveness to address challenges of water supply to the community. Manyike said the ward councillors must be equipped to respond to community concerns.

“Where there are gaps, matters should be escalated through the relevant municipal departments, including relevant national Departments so that matters can be addressed.

“We are therefore thankful to the Department of Water and Sanitation together with Magalies Water, that has brought a positive change to the people of Moretele, regarding improved and sustainable water supply,” he said.

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