The Highbury Water Treatment Works Stage 2 upgrade is nearing completion to strengthen water supply infrastructure serving Mthatha, Ngqeleni and Libode.
The project forms part of ongoing infrastructure investment by the O.R. Tambo District Municipality to stabilise water services across the district.
Construction began in October 2023 and the project has now reached approximately 98% completion, with most major infrastructure already installed.
What happened
The Highbury Water Treatment Works Stage 2 Civils Project is close to completion as part of upgrades to the Mthatha water supply system.
The project focuses on strengthening water storage and distribution infrastructure that supports communities in Mthatha, Ngqeleni, and Libode.
Key construction work includes the installation of two clear water reservoirs, a pump station and additional infrastructure designed to support the safe storage of treated water before distribution.
Reservoir infrastructure is an important part of the water system because it stores treated water and helps regulate supply across connected communities.
Key details of the project
| Project detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project name | Highbury Water Treatment Works Stage 2 Civils |
| Investment value | R168.7 million |
| Start date | 23 October 2023 |
| Completion status | Approximately 98% complete |
| Infrastructure built | Two 5-megalitre reservoirs and pump station |
| Communities served | Mthatha, Ngqeleni and Libode |
The two reservoirs each have a capacity of five megalitres, allowing treated water to be stored before it is distributed through the network.
Why it matters
Reliable water supply depends not only on treatment plants but also on strong storage and distribution infrastructure.
Reservoirs help stabilise water supply by storing treated water and releasing it into the network when needed.
Strengthening this part of the system can improve supply reliability for communities connected to the Mthatha water system.
The project has also contributed to local economic activity during construction.
- About R9.24 million was spent on local labour
- Around R300,000 was allocated for student training and skills development
These investments supported both employment opportunities and technical skills development within surrounding communities.
What happens next
The project is expected to be completed soon once final construction and system integration work is finished.
Engineers faced several challenges during construction, including difficult ground conditions and rock excavation that required controlled blasting and specialised engineering work.
Despite these challenges, the infrastructure is now largely complete.
Once operational, the Highbury Water Treatment Works upgrade is expected to strengthen water storage and distribution across the Mthatha supply system.
The project forms part of broader efforts by the O.R. Tambo District Municipality to improve and stabilise water services across the district.
structure projects and service updates.
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