Siyancuma Local Municipality continues to make significant strides in strengthening water and sanitation infrastructure to improve service delivery and support growing communities.
Douglas Water Treatment Works Successfully Upgraded
The municipality has successfully completed the upgrading of the Douglas Water Treatment Works (WTW), a major milestone in improving water security in the area.
To adequately meet community needs, Siyancuma requires approximately 20 megalitres (ML) of water per day. However, the previous ageing conventional treatment plant was unable to reliably meet this demand due to deteriorating infrastructure and operational inefficiencies.
The upgrade introduced modern Upflow Floating Media Clarification (UFMC) technology, which significantly enhances water treatment efficiency and improves system reliability. The project also included the refurbishment of key components of the old plant, extending its operational lifespan and strengthening overall performance.
The project was funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) administered by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
The upgraded plant was officially handed over late last year by Dr. Zamani Saul, Premier of the Northern Cape, together with Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. This handover marked a major step forward for the municipality and has already brought noticeable relief in terms of improved water supply and reduced interruptions for residents.
Addressing Raw Water Supply Challenges
Raw water supplying the Douglas Water Treatment Works is abstracted from two canal systems:
- Buckland Canal, which conveys water from the Vaal River
- Bosman Canal, which conveys water from the Orange River
Because these canals also serve irrigation farms, water allocation can sometimes affect the consistent supply of raw water to the treatment plant, particularly during peak agricultural seasons.
To strengthen long-term water security, the municipality, together with the Department of Water and Sanitation, recently conducted a study to assess the efficiency and capacity of abstracting raw water directly from the Orange River, located approximately 17 kilometres from Douglas. The findings will inform future infrastructure investments aimed at ensuring sustainable and uninterrupted supply.
Campbell Wastewater Treatment Plant - Under Construction
In addition to improvements in potable water supply, the municipality is currently constructing the Campbell Wastewater Treatment Plant funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, a vital project that will significantly enhance sanitation services in the community of Campbell.
Once completed, the new facility will:
- Improve wastewater treatment capacity
- Protect the environment and nearby water sources
- Enhance public health and sanitation standards
- Support future housing and economic development
The project forms part of broader ongoing service delivery interventions aimed at upgrading ageing infrastructure and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Building Sustainable Communities
Together, the completed upgrade of the Douglas Water Treatment Works and the construction of the Campbell Wastewater Treatment Plant demonstrate government’s continued commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing municipal capacity, and ensuring reliable access to clean water and safe sanitation for all communities within Siyancuma.
These investments are not only addressing current service delivery challenges but are also laying the foundation for sustainable growth and development in the district.
