Author: Nadine Payle

Inside Thembalethu East Reservoir

All projects on water and sewer upgrades progressing well, with residents set to benefit from stronger water security, improved sanitation, and expanded storage capacity.

George Municipality has achieved a significant milestone by spending 100% of the R1.115 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant in just three and a half years, ahead of the projected four-year period. To complete these major bulk water and sewer infrastructure upgrades, the Municipality is also investing R300 million of its own funding. Several projects have already been completed, and the remaining projects are on track for completion between now and mid-2026.

Improving the Security of George’s Future Water and Sanitation Needs, the R1.415 billion investment is being channelled into 12 major components of bulk water and sewer infrastructure, many implemented in phases to ensure long-term sustainability. These upgrades will strengthen potable water security, reduce pollution risks, and support continued social and economic growth in George.

Key progress includes:
• New Water Treatment Works: The Civil works valued at R284 million has been completed; mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works valued at R228 million are 97% completed with final completion due at the end of October 2025. Purified water from the new 20Ml module has been supplying residents with potable water since May 2025, while maintenance and upgrades are being carried out on the existing modules.

The Residuals Treatment Works is being commissioned. The 20 Mℓ/day (20 million litres per day) extension to the New Water Treatment Works (New WTW) and the new WTW Residuals Treatment facility will significantly enhance the purified water treatment capacity of the Municipality to a total daily production capacity of 60 Mℓ/d.

New Water Treatment Works, Denneoord delivering 20 million litres per day of clean drinking water since May 2025.

• Sewer Pumpstation Upgrades: The upgrade of three major sewer pumpstations—Eden, Meul, and Schaapkop—will improve the long-term capacity and reliability of these aged pump stations and curtail spillages that cause environmental and health risks. First-phase works at Eden and Meul had previously been completed and these pumpstations are due for full completion in 2025; Schaapkop pump station will be completed in 2026.

Schaapkop Sewer Pumpstation and pipe bridge.

Schaapkop Sewer Pumpstation and pipe bridge.

• Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply Upgrade: Completed in June 2025. This included replacing the existing 600 mm diameter raw water pipeline with an 800 mm diameter stainless steel pipeline and a 900 mm diameter HDPE pipe, ensuring a higher flow rate for future raw water needs. It also included upgrading a section of the pump pipeline to improve flow and reduce the risk of failures. Minor works continued beyond June 2025 and have been completed.

• Raw Water Balancing Dam (40 Mℓ): An additional 40 million litre (40 Mℓ) raw water storage and balancing dam is under construction, together with a 340m-long 800mm diameter raw water outlet pipeline and a 1000mm diameter raw water pump main extension. Construction is 75% complete and expected to be fully completed in December 2025.

• Pacaltsdorp Reservoirs: West Reservoir (14.5 Mℓ) and East Reservoir (3 Mℓ plus 300 kl tower) are 75% and 80% complete respectively, both due for full completion in early 2026.

• Thembalethu Reservoirs: The Thembalethu West Reservoir upgrade consists of three contracts that vary between 80%–100% complete. Full completion is due December 2025; Thembalethu East Reservoir (8 Mℓ plus 1000 kl tower) is 85% complete, with full completion due in 2025.

• Completed Projects: The Garden Route Dam generators, 9th Avenue Old Water Treatment Works refurbishment, and Kaaimans River Pumpstation refurbishment.

Serving more than 294,942 residents across 85,931 households in 28 wards, George Municipality remains committed to sustainable infrastructure, transparent governance, and future-focused planning. Executive Mayor Jackie von Brandis said the achievement demonstrates the Municipality’s ability to deliver on its promises: “Achieving 100% expenditure on such a significant grant shows George can manage major projects responsibly while securing water and sanitation services for generations to come.”

What this means for George residents

These infrastructure upgrades are not just numbers — they directly improve the quality of life across the city:
• Stronger potable water security – A new Water Treatment Works has already been delivering clean drinking water since May 2025, with full commissioning expected later this year.
• Improved sanitation – Upgrades to major sewer pump stations will reduce pollution risks and keep communities healthier.
• Bigger storage capacity – new reservoirs in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu will increase direct on-site water storage for improved water security during bulk water outages.
• Future-proof infrastructure – The new raw water dam and pipelines provides security of raw water supply to the extended water treatment works to ensure the availability of raw water feed to meet potable water demand.