George Municipality BFI Projects Successfully Delivering Bulk Water and Sanitation Services
Seen at the launch in Thembalethu are from left, Cllr Eric Mdaka, Ward 12 Councillor, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, Provincial Head: of Western Cape at the Department of Water and Sanitation, Ald Gert van Niekerk (Deputy Mayor) and Cllr Thembinkosi Lento Ward 9 Councillor.
George Municipality’s ongoing investment in bulk water infrastructure was recently highlighted during the official handover of new facilities in Thembalethu, where national and provincial stakeholders underscored the project’s importance for long-term water security and community development. The state-of-the-art reservoir, pump station and reservoir tower—delivered as part of Phase 12 of the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) programme—form part of a broader R1.4 billion investment aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply of potable water to meet both current demand and future growth.
The handover, led by the Department of Water and Sanitation, emphasised not only the technical advancements achieved, but also the socio-economic benefits of the project, including local job creation, skills development and improved service delivery. A significant portion of the investment has been directed towards Thembalethu, with upgrades to bulk pipelines, storage capacity and treatment systems contributing to improved water quality, reduced pollution risks and enhanced resilience of the municipal water network.
Speaking at the handover in Thembalethu East, Western Cape DWS Head Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa noted that the project will serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development in George. “Beyond enhancing water security, the project will improve drinking water quality and contribute to the reduction of pollution in key watercourses,” she said. Bila-Mupariwa called on residents to take collective responsibility in safeguarding the infrastructure, emphasising the importance of preventing vandalism to ensure its long-term sustainability.
George Municipality achieved a significant milestone by spending 100% of the R1,115 billion Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant by end June 2025 and to date has spent 73% of the Municipality’s contribution of R300 million. The projects are successfully delivering bulk water and sanitation services to the residents of George, with only minor final finishing works remaining and scheduled to be completed by June 2026. Improving the security of George’s current and future water and sanitation needs, the R1,415 billion investment has been channelled into 12 major components of bulk water and sewer infrastructure, many implemented in phases to ensure long-term sustainability. These upgrades are strengthening potable water security, reducing pollution risks, and supporting continued social and economic growth in George.
Key progress includes:
• New Water Treatment Works: Civil works have been completed and the mechanical, electrical and instrumentation works are 99% complete, with only final finishing outstanding. Purified water from the new 20 Mℓ per day modules has been supplying residents since May 2025. Maintenance and upgrades have also been completed on the existing modules and the Old Water Treatment Works. The Residuals Treatment Works is currently being commissioned. This expansion increases the Municipality’s total treatment capacity to 60 Mℓ/day.
• Raw Water Balancing Dam (40 Mℓ): Now operational, this additional storage facility—together with associated pipelines—is 99% complete. Combined with the two existing 30 Mℓ dams, total raw water storage now stands at 100 Mℓ, significantly improving supply security to the treatment works.
• Sewer Pumpstation Upgrades: Upgrades to the Eden, Meul, and Schaapkop pumpstations are already improving reliability and reducing the risk of sewage spillages. Final work at Schaapkop is expected within the next four months.
• Garden Route Dam Outlet and Supply Upgrade: Completed in June 2025, increasing flow capacity and reducing system risks through upgraded pipelines.
• Pacaltsdorp Reservoirs: The West Reservoir (14.5 Mℓ) and pumpstation are fully operational, while the East Reservoir is 90% complete with final mechanical and electrical work outstanding.
• Thembalethu Reservoirs: The newly commissioned Thembalethu East 8 Mℓ reservoir, 1 Mℓ tower and pumpstation have been delivering potable water since February 2026. The West Reservoir system is currently in final commissioning.
• Other Completed Projects: Include the Garden Route Dam generators, refurbishment of the Old Water Treatment Works at 9th Avenue, and the Kaaimans River pumpstation.
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. Achieving 100% expenditure on such a significant grant demonstrates the Municipality’s ability to manage major projects responsibly while securing essential services for generations to come.
What this means for George residents:
* Stronger potable water security: The new Water Treatment Works has been delivering clean drinking water since May 2025.
* Improved sanitation: Upgraded sewer pumpstations are reducing pollution risks and protecting community health.
* Increased storage capacity: New reservoirs in Pacaltsdorp and Thembalethu enhance resilience during outages.
* Future-proof infrastructure: Expanded raw water storage and upgraded pipelines ensure long-term supply reliability.