Despite tough obstacles, the O.R. Tambo District is forging ahead with a large-scale bulk water supply initiative set to improve lives across the Eastern Cape.
The O.R Tambo region has been hit hard with crumbling old pipes, illegal connections draining precious water, and storm-damaged systems costing millions. But local government is staying the course, with visible results already flowing into communities.
Work is well underway. New bulk pipelines now link Mthatha Dam to Thornhill. At the same time, the Thornhill Water Works has been expanded to treat significantly more water each day. Construction and planning are moving forward in Mthatha airport area, Mthatha Central, Mqanduli, Libode, and soon in Ngqeleni and Rosedale, where a new water treatment facility is set to rise.
The long-term goal is clear: to bring clean, consistent water to every home and every village. It’s a mission that unites local municipalities, including Port St. Johns, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, and Kumkani Mhlontlo, with partners like Ntinga O.R. Tambo Development Agency, the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier, SALGA, and COGTA.
This collective effort forms part of the government’s broader commitment to service delivery and dignity. The message is firm: ‘A better life for all’ is not just a slogan—it’s a promise in motion.
As one community member put it, “Yes, it’s tough. But the work is real, and the future is brighter with every pipe laid.”
