The DA in Limpopo is calling on the Executive Mayor of Capricorn District Municipality(CDM), Mamedupi Teffo, to urgently investigate the R213 million incomplete water projects in the Blouberg municipality.
The Capricorn District Municipality (CDM), in its legislated capacity as Water Service Authority (WSA) as well as Water Service Provider (WSP) to Blouberg, funded water projects in 2023 in excess of R213 million, most of which remain incomplete:
The DA Cllr Bianca Bocke put it straight and said the
- R38 million water project at Devrede, Ward 15, is incomplete,
- R51 million at Grootpan, Sias, Longdon and Ramaswikana, Ward 17, is incomplete,
- R35 million at Taaiboschgroet, Ward 18, is incomplete,
- R9.3 million at Kromhoek, Ward 15, is incomplete,
- R37 million at Milbank is incomplete,
- R26 million at Nailana is incomplete,
- R3.7 million at Branan is incomplete,
- R4 million Pax Intantibus is incomplete, and portable water purification at a cost of R4 million is incomplete.
“The Devrede March 2023 water project had a 9 months timeframe, the construction of the main pipes are complete but the water storage material was delivered but not yet assembled.
House connection pipes without taps were done, and for the last 2 years, not a single drop of water came out of these pipes; four boreholes were dropped to mitigate the shortfalls of the R38 million project, she said.
“Communities struggle to obtain clean water daily, residents are forced to buy water at R25 for a 210 litre tank from private suppliers and some residents have to walk to two kilometres to fetch water with drums,” she said.
“Most villages in Blouberg are still struggling to access clean water which is a constitutional right currently being denied to them by CDM.
The DA urges the CDM Mayor to investigate the incomplete water projects and to hold officials and service providers accountable for the unacceptable delay to provide the communities of Blouberg with water,” said Mocke.
Responding to the DA’s complaints, CDM’s Communication Manager Jabu Masondo said it is true that some are still incomplete.
“The clarity and factual updates on the status of these projects, many of which are affected by external factors, technical constraints, and budgetary limitations beyond our immediate control. Below are the project-specific responses:,” he said.
Devrede Water Project
The delay in this project was due to a dispute over boreholes drilled outside the jurisdiction of the relevant tribal authority. While the Municipality initially considered sourcing boreholes from local farmers within Devrede, the proposed costs were unaffordable. The Municipality then appointed experienced geohydrologists who successfully identified suitable locations, leading to the drilling of four (4) productive boreholes. With confirmed water yields, the project is now back on track and is scheduled for completion by December 2025.
Grootpan, Sias, Longdon, and Ramaswikana Water Project
This project is being implemented in phases as a multi-year project due to limited funding under the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG). Phase 1 has been completed. Phase 2, which includes the construction of a command reservoir and package plants, has already been advertised and is at the evaluation stage. Construction is expected to commence in August 2025 and conclude in June 2026, at which point the full scheme will be operational.
Taaiboschgroet Water Project
Although the project was completed, the boreholes began to show signs of drying up. A geohydrologist was assigned to investigate, and borehole automation was introduced to prevent over-pumping. These interventions have restored the water supply to the community, which is now receiving water.
Kromhoek Water Project
The project has been completed. However, there is a shortage of water, particularly in the Ratau section, because of illegal connections that have disrupted water distribution. Plans are in place to address this through operations and maintenance (O&M) interventions in the 2025/26 financial year. Additionally, the appointment of process controllers to operate the package plant is at an advanced stage.
Milbank Water Project – Phase 1
The contractor is still on-site and has yet to officially hand over the project. Two (2) new boreholes have been tested and equipped in May, and we are currently testing the reticulation network.
Nailana Water Project
The project is completed and fully functional.
Pax Package Plant
The plant was operational at handover. The municipality will undertake further investigation to assess its current performance and determine the required interventions.
Brana Water Project
The delay in this project was due to a dispute regarding an Eskom-installed transformer, which was placed on private property. The homeowner had paid for the transformer and resisted its relocation. After extensive engagement between the Municipality, Eskom, the councilor, and the affected household, the issue has been resolved. Eskom is expected to finalise their work within the coming week, after which the Municipality will connect the plant, he said.
“Two WSIG projects have been completed: the Madoana Water Supply Project and the Matshoana Water Supply Project, each valued at R9.7 million. Both projects are scheduled to be officially handed over in the coming week.
All the figures listed are based on allocations from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant, and were approved by Council, where the DA is a member and participated in the approval process,” he added.
“In summary, Grootpan, Sias, Longdon, and Ramaswikana Phase 1 cost was R 171m, Taaiboshgroet is R36.6m, Milbank R 37.7m, Brana R3.7m, Nailana R 22.6m, Pax R3.7m,” he continued.
“The District Municipality remains committed to transparent communication with our communities and stakeholders. We urge all political representatives to act responsibly and to use official platforms to raise concerns, ensuring that the information shared with the public reflects the full context and facts. We reaffirm our commitment to improving service delivery and addressing the challenges we face, in partnership with all stakeholders and our communities,” he concluded.
