By Hilton Maasdorp | DA Councillor Dihlabeng Municipality
Note to editors: Please find attached English soundbite by Cllr Irene Rugheimer, Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Hilton Maasdorp and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has prioritised addressing the persistent water supply challenges in Fouriesburg by conducting an oversight visit to the Caledon Raw Water abstraction point. Led by Cllrs Irene Rügheimer and Hilton Maasdorp, the visit emphasised the urgency of upgrading the town’s critical water infrastructure to ensure reliable and sustainable access to water.
Valued at R64 million, the project seeks to upgrade the water abstraction weir to secure uninterrupted water flow by managing the Caledon River’s natural flow during the rainy season. This initiative aims to improve water availability during the dry winter months. However, significant challenges, including operational inefficiencies and administrative delays, persist. Water extraction is currently limited to two to three hours per day due to high sediment levels and muddy water conditions, further exacerbated by the rainy season. These issues have hindered the project’s progress, delaying its ability to meet the community’s needs effectively.
The Carolina pump station, a critical component of the water distribution system, is operating below capacity while awaiting the installation of a new motor. Reservoir inflow and outflow mechanisms require urgent upgrades, and new pumps are necessary to optimise performance. The water treatment plant also faces challenges due to ageing infrastructure and a shortage of skilled personnel, which limits its operational efficiency. Meanwhile, the Meringskloof Dam, a supplementary water source that provides additional water through a gravity pipeline, is strained by leaks and the high demand in the Mashaeng township, rendering it insufficient to address the community’s needs comprehensively.
To resolve these challenges, the DA has outlined several key interventions. Urgent efforts must be made to install the new motor at the Carolina pump station to enhance water transfer capacity. Leaks in Mashaeng township must be repaired to minimise water loss and reduce pressure on the Meringskloof Dam. Installing metering systems throughout the water network is essential to improve resource monitoring and management. Administrative delays must be addressed to ensure timely progress, and resources must be allocated for critical repairs and upgrades at the treatment plant. Additionally, training and deploying skilled personnel will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of the plant.
The success of the Caledon Raw Water abstraction upgrade and related infrastructure improvements depends on overcoming these persistent obstacles. The DA remains committed to holding municipal authorities, contractors, and stakeholders accountable through rigorous oversight. By advocating for effective service delivery, the DA continues to strive for sustainable water management solutions that will benefit Fouriesburg’s residents and businesses in the long term.