Question NW1748 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation

Reply:

a) Lady Frere (known as Cacadu) is supplied by the Machubeni Water Supply Scheme through the Macubeni Water Treatment Works (WTW). The water interruptions currently experienced are caused by ongoing power/electrical outages that resulting in reduced pumping hours from Machubeni WTW. The short-term interventions in place to ensure water availability include:

• On-going water carting to the affected areas including Cacadu town.
• A backup diesel generator at the WTW
• A long-term intervention to resolve the water supply challenges at Lady Frere is through construction of a bulk pipeline from the Lubisi Water Treatment to supplement water supply to the supply Cacadu town and the surrounding villages. The project started in March 2019 and is planned for completion by 31 August 2023.

The Ngqushwa Local Municipality has an existing Bulk Water Supply Scheme that is managed by Amatola Water which distributes water to the communities of Ngqushwa. The limited capacity of the Peddie Water Treatment Works (WTW), water losses and with loadshedding impact negatively on reliable water supply. Two water tankers are currently carting water to the affected areas of Ngqushwa and surrounding villages as an interim measure to ensure water availability. The medium to long-term interventions include:

• Management of water losses by replacing sections of pipelines from the Peddie Water Treatment Works towards Lover’s Twist through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. The project is in progress and is planned for completion by 31 July 2023.
• An upgrade of the Peddie Water Treatment Works from 6Ml/day to 11Ml/day
• Upgrade of the Sandile Water Treatment Works from 17Ml/day to 27Ml/day to augment water supply to Ngqushwa. The project is in progress and is planned for completion by 31 August 2023

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