Vhembe water treatment works get upgrades
The Nandoni Water Treatment Works upgrade is expected to be completed by 2028, promising to bring much-needed relief to rural communities.
LIMPOPO – In a significant development for the Vhembe district, the Department of Water and Sanitation has announced plans to upgrade the Nandoni Water Treatment Works. This move, aimed at addressing the persistent water shortages experienced by many households, promises to bring much-needed relief to rural communities.
“We, as traditional leaders around Mphaphuli, welcome the plan to upgrade the Nandoni Water Treatment Works,” said Vhamusanda Mashonelo Tshimange. For many years, a large number of households have been without clean water. This upgrade is eagerly awaited and will finally bring clean water to the taps in our rural communities.”
Vhamusanda Tshimange made these remarks on July 19, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting for the Nandoni Water Treatment Works upgrade project, held at the Mphaphuli Tribal Council.
Berlin Molepo, chief engineer of water services planning at the Department of Water and Sanitation, detailed the project’s scope.
The primary goal is to upgrade and refurbish the Nandoni Water Treatment Works, increasing its capacity from 60 to 120 megalitres per day.
Molepo explained that the Nandoni Dam, which is part of the Luvuvhu catchment area, was completed in 2004 and is crucial for supplying domestic water, supporting recreational activities, and boosting tourism.
“The dam currently supplies water to communities in the Vhembe District Municipality and aims to extend its supply to the Mopani and Capricorn districts in Limpopo, targeting an estimated population of over one million people,” Molepo said.
“The upgrade will enhance the bulk water pipeline projects, extending the supply from Nandoni Water Treatment Works to Malamulele, Vuwani, Elim, Makhado and Sinthumule Kutama areas.”
The upgrade project is scheduled to begin in November 2024 and be completed by 2028.
The first phase will involve new construction, while the second phase will include refurbishing existing facilities, repairing buildings, and providing training and support for new structures.
Vhembe Mayor Freda Nkondo also welcomed the upgrade plan.
“As the water services authority, we face challenges with damaged water infrastructure, such as pipelines, which have left many communities without clean water. This upgrade will significantly improve water supply and service delivery in our region.”
