Bulk services rollout nears finish in Rama City
Rama City’s long-awaited bulk water and sewer project has reached 69% completion, promising long-term relief for residents who have waited years for proper connections.
The long-awaited bulk water and sewer reticulation project at Rama City, Ga-Rankuwa, is well underway and has reached 69% completion, according to the Tshwane metro.
The development is expected to bring long-term relief to residents who have been waiting for proper service connections since their homes were built.
MMC for Housing and Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka highlighted the metro’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the delivery of clean, reliable water services.
“This project is part of the municipality’s responsibility to provide safe and clean drinking water while addressing long-standing service delivery challenges in the Rama City area,” said Maluleka.
The Gauteng Department of Human Settlements has constructed 1 426 housing units in Rama City in recent years.
These houses, however, were never formally connected to the water and sewer network systems, leaving many residents dependent on interim or inadequate supply arrangements.
The department appointed Hokwani Consulting CC in December of 2022 to provide professional services for the construction, testing and commissioning of bulk sewer and water reticulation systems at Rama City Ext 10.
The 18-month project was later contracted to Matlaila-Bafihleli Joint Venture in August 2024, tasked with completing the construction work.
Close-up of the trench base at Rama City, revealing rocky soil and construction debris during the bulk infrastructure phase. Photo: Supplied At the bottom of the excavated ditch, scattered rocks and earth piles are evident under the shadow of the wooden shoring.
According to Maluleka, substantial progress has been achieved across several areas of the project.
He said a total of 1 501 certified stand water connections have been completed, while 860 stand sewer connections have been installed and are awaiting engineer certification.
The contractor has also made progress on key pipe-jacking works.
At Molotlegi Street, the 25m concrete sleeve pipe jacking has been fully completed, while at Pilane Street, which received approval in June this year, 3m of the planned jacking has been carried out.
Maluleka said work on the railway line pipe jacking is still in progress.
“Further developments include trench excavation, with 62m already dug despite challenges such as hard rock in the area.
“Repairs on bulk water pipelines are ongoing, with scour valves pending waterproofing.”
He said cleaning and unblocking of manholes has also commenced, although final connection of reticulation to the bulk sewer outfall is dependent on the completion of all pipe jackings.
Beyond infrastructure delivery, the project has also provided local economic opportunities.
A total of 23 local labourers have been employed on the project, supporting both the reticulation and pipe-jacking work.
Maluleka said two Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been subcontracted, ensuring that part of the project’s budget supports businesses in the community.
He emphasised that while progress is being made, residents should remain patient as the metro works with contractors to complete all outstanding work.
“We are aware that residents have been waiting a long time for these services, and we assure them that the metro is prioritising this project.
“Once completed, the infrastructure will support safe and reliable living conditions for the Rama City community,” he said.
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