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The O.R. Tambo District Municipality is advancing a major infrastructure project at the Mthatha Dam aimed at strengthening the long-term reliability of water supply for communities in Mthatha and surrounding areas.
The municipality is currently constructing a Raw Water Pumpstation linked to the upgrade of the Thornhill Water Treatment Works, a project valued at R49.8 million. According to the municipality, the work is already over 77% complete, with final completion expected by March 2026.
Project strengthens water supply system
Behind every tap in homes, schools and clinics lies a complex network of dams, pumps, pipelines and treatment plants that work continuously to move water where it is needed.
The new pumpstation forms part of this critical system. Once completed, it will improve the transfer of raw water from Mthatha Dam to the Thornhill Water Treatment Works, where the water is treated before being distributed to communities.
Municipal officials say the project is part of a broader effort to secure and stabilise water supply infrastructure in the district, ensuring that communities receive reliable access to safe drinking water.
Local economic benefits
Beyond improving infrastructure, the project is also creating economic opportunities within the district.
More than R1.2 million has already been spent on local labour and equipment rentals, providing income and work opportunities for residents and local businesses involved in the construction.
Managing technical challenges
As with many large infrastructure projects, the construction process has required teams to navigate technical and logistical challenges along the way.
Despite these difficulties, work on the ground has continued steadily as engineers and contractors push to complete the project within the planned timeframe.
Water security remains a priority
The O.R. Tambo District Municipality says projects like the Mthatha Dam pumpstation upgrade are about more than construction work.
They represent an effort to improve service delivery, protect community dignity and ensure reliable water supply for the future.
With the project nearing completion, the municipality believes the upgraded infrastructure will strengthen the systems that supply water to thousands of residents across the district.
Work on the site continues as the municipality moves closer to delivering a more resilient water supply network for the people of O.R. Tambo.
