THE bulk water project in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal, which started in September 2020, is nearing completion.
This will bring relief to the town which has been crippled by an unreliable water supply and kick-start development projects that have been on hold for years.
“The project will more than double water supply to Kokstad and satisfy demand until 2030,” says Zimile Consulting Engineers Innocent Masunungure.
Kokstad is the fastest growing town in the Harry Gwala district municipality and its current water needs are about 9 ML/d. Demand is expected to rise to around 18 ML/d by 2035.
Water shortages dampen growth
There are currently water restrictions in Kokstad, and some of the suburbs only receive water during limited hours of the day. Various developments earmarked for the town are on hold because of limited water supply.
Population growth, ageing infrastructure, limited hydraulic capacity and drought conditions face many communities in South Africa. These challenges threaten water security and economic development.
“This project will improve the lives of the communities in Kokstad as they will have a safe, clean, reliable and uninterrupted water supply,” says Masunungure.
Completion of the project, together with the raising of the existing Kempsdale Dam wall, will provide water security to the town for the next decade.
