ERMELO – Msukaligwa Municipality says construction of the Everest Park water infrastructure project has reached 81.64% completion, but 424 households identified as affected by water shortages are still waiting for a reliable supply.

The update follows an earlier Highvelder report questioning the project’s delays, rising costs and the lack of clarity around when residents would benefit from the new infrastructure.

The approved project cost is R30 988 382.78, including VAT, compared with the initial estimated allocation of R7.5m recorded in the municipality’s 2023/24 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan.

Msukaligwa municipal spokesperson Mandla Zwane attributed the increase to market conditions and explained that the original estimate was based on Municipal Infrastructure Grant guidelines last updated in 2010, before the detailed designs were finalised.

The municipality reports that expenditure to date stands at R18 414 363.41, including consultancy and construction costs.

Construction began after the contractor handover on August 4, 2026. The gravity pipeline is 62% complete, the elevated tank installation stands at 80%, and the pump station is 92% complete.

The elevated steel tank is still being assembled, with completion expected by November 20.

Zwane said the area’s high elevation creates challenges in maintaining a consistent water supply, particularly during peak demand periods. The municipality is supplying clean water through tankers as an interim measure.

The new infrastructure is intended to improve water pressure and supply reliability by isolating the higher-lying section of Everest Park.

The contractual completion and commissioning date is February 26, 2027. A water flow meter will be installed at the pump house outlet to measure supply consistency.

Read more about the individual construction progress figures, the municipality’s explanation of the increased project cost and residents’ concerns in the Highvelder’s printed edition.