Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo will conduct an oversight visit to the Brits Water Treatment Works on Thursday, aiming to assess progress on critical upgrades meant to alleviate persistent water shortages in the region.
The visit comes as communities within the Madibeng Local Municipality and surrounding areas have faced significant water supply challenges in recent months. The treatment plant is currently undergoing an R80 million refurbishment, funded through the government’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant.
According to a department spokesperson, the extensive upgrades are designed to bolster water security by increasing the facility’s daily treatment capacity by 20 megalitres. Once completed, the plant will be able to produce 80 megalitres of water per day, up from its current capacity of 60 megalitres.
“The oversight visit is to ensure the project is on track to fulfill its intended role of strengthening reliable water provision for the communities that depend on it,” the spokesperson stated. “The Deputy Minister will assess the infrastructure improvements and engage on the timeline for completion.”
The Brits Water Treatment Works is a key component of the local water supply infrastructure. The planned capacity expansion is expected to provide a measure of relief to residents and businesses that have endured intermittent supply and shortages.
Local community representatives have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the upgrade has been long-awaited. They hope the Deputy Minister’s visit will underscore the urgency of the situation and result in a clear commitment to a swift project completion.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has indicated that Deputy Minister Mahlobo will also use the visit to receive briefings on other interventions aimed at stabilizing water supply in the North West province.
