A ZAR24 billion public-private programme has been launched to ensure safe and reliable water supply for about 380 000 people in South Africa’s Limpopo province.

According to ESI-Africa, the Olifants Management Model programme – a collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Lebalelo Water Users Association – aims to fast-track the construction of potable and bulk raw water infrastructure for 134 villages and the agriculture and mining industries in the area, to ensure adequate supply by 2030. 

‘This is a very good example of collective efforts; it is a three-dimensional partnership between the government, the private sector and more importantly, the people of this area,’ Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu said at the launch.

The programme, which is expected to create 42 000 jobs, is being funded by the government and commercial users through the Lebalelo Water Users Association, most of which are miners. 

8 November 2022
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