President Cyril Ramaphosa visited Ikageng, Extension 7 on Friday, 20 October for an oversight visit of the 25 Megalitre (ML) reservoir project.

This nationally funded project that is established through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Operation Bulela Metsi initiative has been budgeted for around R 500 million. It aims to solve the water crisis that Ikageng residents have had to endure for years.

The goal to convey water through the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext 1,4,5,9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext 7.

President Ramaphosa arrived on the site at around 10:30 to meet with various MEC’s, Mayor’s, Officials, stakeholders as well as project leaders on the ground. This is part of District Development Model Presidential Imbizo that president Ramaphosa is undertaking in the province. Ramaphosa asked various questions and listened to the progress and well as challenges of this project. He also asked whether there were any disruptions from local business forums.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, the construction of the reservoir is funded through the Department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) with the municipality as the Water Services Authority.

“Work commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, with more than 100 job opportunities for locals in the pipeline,” added Mavasa in a press release.

The project came about as a result of the decommissioning of the Ikageng West Reservoirs, which rendered the Ikageng Proper and Potchindustria networks without any storage capacity. This new reservoir will also enhance the storage capacity needed. The water reservoir aims to serve around 94 000 people (22 000 households). Small, Medium and Micro enterprises will also benefit from the project that aims to give back to the community.

“The reservoir construction forms part of the upgrading of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project which consists of six phases including refurbishment and upgrading the treatment plant, extension of AC pipeline, upgrading of the Ikageng Pump Station and the construction of a New Rising Main and Bulk Distribution Pipeline in Ikageng,” added Mavasa.

Senzo Mchunu, the minister for water and sanitation was also on site and stated that this is one of the key projects to accelerate water delivery to communities. “We are in a hurry for dignity and to meet their demands. On completion of this project, water will pour into their yards,” he stated on site.