THE completed R35 million Kirkwood Bulk Water Project was officially handed over to the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality on 14 April 2025 by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina. The project was funded through the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG).
The project was implemented by Amatola Water, which successfully tackled long-standing water challenges in the area. The completion includes the construction of a new 14 million litre raw water storage dam, which boosts the total storage capacity from 20.2 million litres to 34.2 million litres.
This expansion also ensures uninterrupted water supply during the annual maintenance shutdown of the Orange-Fish Water Scheme, which previously left the community vulnerable. Additionally, two new 3.0-megalitre reservoirs in Kirkwood Town and Bontrug (Moses Mabida) have been completed, alongside critical pipework upgrades to enhance water distribution and reduce losses.
Addressing community members, Minister Majodina made a commitment to fast-tracking the implementation of bulk water infrastructure projects, not only in the Eastern Cape but across the country.
“We are now entering a phase where we must – and will – fast-track the rollout of bulk water projects across the country with speed, focus, and accountability. Water is not a luxury; it is a basic right and a driver of economic growth, health, and dignity. Communities like Kirkwood deserve nothing less, and we will not rest until every household, farm, and business has reliable access to water,” said Majodina.
The project will bring tangible benefits to communities, including reliable water access for 3,963 households and an estimated population of 16,778. The local citrus industry, a cornerstone of the regional economy, will also benefit from improved water reliability, safeguarding jobs and export revenues.
The project brought inclusive economic benefits during its construction phase, generating 41 jobs for local community members and engaging 10 local small businesses, furthering DWS’s goals for empowerment and local economic development. Construction began in July 2023 and concluded in March 2025.
Project components included:
- A 14-million-litre raw water lay dam at the Kirkwood Water Treatment Works;
- All associated infrastructure, such as inlet chambers, interconnecting pipework, and security fencing;
- A 3.0-million-litre steel reservoir in Kirkwood serving Aqua Park, Bergsig, and surrounds;
- A second 3.0-million-litre reservoir in Bontrug, supplying Moses Mabida, Msengeni, and nearby settlements;
- Interlinking pipework to enable zoning and efficient water distribution across the municipal network.
Minister Majodina was joined by the Sarah Baartman District Municipality Executive Mayor, Deon de Vos and Councillor Solethu Lucas, the Mayor of Sundays River Valley Local Municipality, in celebrating this significant milestone.
Minister Majodina also made a strong appeal to members of the public to actively safeguard water infrastructure, urging communities to take pride in the assets and to work with the government to protect them.
