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Oversight Visits Highlight Progress on Bulk Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades in George


National Treasury delegation visiting Thembalethu East Reservoir.

George Municipality has hosted several high-profile oversight visits in recent months, showcasing significant progress on its bulk water and sewer infrastructure upgrades. These visits included Western Cape Minister of Finance Deirdre Baartman in November 2024, Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure Tertius Simmers in January 2025, the Deputy Director-General (DDG) of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) National, the Head of DWS Western Cape, as well as representatives from DWS and municipalities in Mpumalanga in February 2025. Most recently, a delegation from National Treasury visited at the end of February 2025 for a mid-year budget and performance assessment.

 

From the left, Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis, previous MMC for Civil Engineering Services and now Deputy Mayor, Browen Johnson and WC MEC for Infrastructure Tertius Simmers,  visiting the Thembalethu West Reservoir and Tower upgrade in January 2025.

The National Treasury delegation—including officials from the Presidency’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and the Western Cape Provincial Treasury—was welcomed by MMC for Finance, Councillor Marais Kruger, and senior municipal officials, including Acting Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw. The visit included an extensive review of municipal services, covering financials, electricity, waste management, water, and sanitation services.

The delegation conducted site visits to key infrastructure projects, including the existing 20 Ml/d Water Treatment Works in Denneoord, which has undergone significant upgrades, along with the construction of a new 20 Ml/d module, a residual handling facility, and an upgraded clear water rising main. The Thembalethu East Reservoir, Tower, and Pump Station, a crucial component in ensuring reliable water supply to the growing community and the Glenwood Power Sub-station, which is part of George’s broader energy infrastructure improvement strategy, were also visited.

Now in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the R1.115 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant—along with a R300 million municipal contribution—continues to drive major upgrades to George’s bulk water and sewer systems. Secured from National Treasury in 2021/22, the project remains on track for completion by December 2025. The project consists of 12 components, many of which are being implemented in multiple phases to ensure long-term service sustainability. These upgrades will strengthen potable water security, support economic and social growth, and reduce pollution in critical water sources.

Component 1 and 2
The 20 Mℓ/day (20 million litres per day) extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) and the new WTW Residuals Treatment facility will significantly enhance the purified water treatment capacity of the Municipality to a total daily production capacity of 60 Mℓ/d.
Status: The civil engineering works contract, valued at R284 million, is scheduled for completion by May 2025. The construction and installation of the mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation (MEI) works, valued at R217 million, is 90% complete and scheduled for completion by May 2025. Pre-commissioning testing is underway through trial operational sessions to ensure purified water meets required standards before supply to residents. Full production of the 20 million litres per day of purified water is expected by mid-March 2025.

Component 3
The upgrade of three sewer pumpstations—Eden, Meul, and Schaapkop—will improve the long-term capacity and reliability of the aged pump stations.
Status: The first phase of construction has been completed at the Meul and Eden Pump Stations. The sewer pipeline construction for Phase 2 at the Meul Pumpstation has been completed. The contractor responsible for the Mechanical and Electrical works is finalizing workshop drawings and manufacturing equipment.  At the Eden Pumpstation, bulk earthworks and emergency tank concrete works are under construction, and the Mechanical and Electrical works contract has been awarded.  At the Schaapkop Pumpstation, bulk earthworks and retaining walls are progressing well, and a pipe bridge across the river is under construction.

Component 4
The upgrading of the Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply project includes replacing the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline with an 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline and a 900 mm diameter HDPE pipe, ensuring a higher flowrate for future raw water needs. It also includes upgrading a section of the pump pipeline to improve flow and reduce the risk of failures.
Status: The new supply pipe has been in full operation since November 2024. The estimated completion date for the entire project is May 2025.

Component 5 – COMPLETED
Two 1250 kVA generators have been installed at the Garden Route Dam raw water pumpstation.

Component 6
An additional 40 million litre (40 Mℓ) raw water storage and balancing dam is under construction, along with a 340m-long 800mm diameter raw water outlet pipeline and a 1000mm diameter raw water pump main extension.
Status: Construction began in May 2024 after all statutory approvals. Progress is currently at 55%, with final excavation, shaping, and pipe laying underway. Completion is expected by October 2025.

Component 7 – COMPLETED
The refurbishment of the Old Water Treatment Works at 9th Avenue Denneoord has been completed.

Component 8
The refurbishment of the Kaaimans River Pumpstation included installing six new robust pumps, a strainer system, and electrical control equipment.
Status: Construction is 99% complete. The pumpstation has been fully operational since September 2024, significantly enhancing raw water storage at the Garden Route Dam. The final stage involves upgrading the access road, with full completion expected by March 2025.

Component 9
The new 14.5 Mℓ Pacaltsdorp West Reservoir and Pumpstation will address emergency and balancing potable water storage needs.
Status: Construction is 50% complete, with estimated completion in November 2025.

Component 10
The new 3 Mℓ Pacaltsdorp East Reservoir, 300 kl Tower, and Pumpstation will improve potable water storage in Pacaltsdorp East.
Status: Construction is 56% complete, with an estimated completion date of July 2025.

Thembalethu West Reservoir, aerial photograph

Component 11
A new pumpstation and control valves at Thembalethu West Reservoir and Tower, along with an upgraded bulk supply pipeline, will enhance potable water security.
Status: Construction progress is at 82% and 99% for respective contracts, with full completion expected in June 2025.

Component 12
A new 8 Mℓ Thembalethu East Reservoir, 1000 kl Tower, and Pumpstation will be constructed to enhance potable water supply security.
Status: Construction is 55% complete, with an estimated completion date in September 2025.

George Municipality remains committed to sustainable infrastructure development, transparent governance, and fiscal responsibility. With over 294,942 residents from 85,931 households across 28 wards, including key coastal areas such as Kleinkrantz, Wilderness, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Gwaing (according to STATSSA 2022 data), the municipality continues to prioritize long-term planning and investment in critical engineering resources.