Buffalo River Abstraction Works — Ward 7 Water Infrastructure

MEDIA STATEMENT
For Immediate Release

The Newcastle Local Municipality has commenced the Buffalo River Abstraction Works project, a multi-million infrastructure investment aimed at securing a reliable and sustainable potable water supply for the communities of Mndozo, Manzana, Dicks, Jobstown, and Johnstone in Ward 7.

Funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG), the project responds to rapid residential growth in the area, which has driven water demand far beyond current supply capacity. Residents have faced prolonged shortages, with some households going days without water, and planned sanitation projects stalled due to scarcity.

The works include construction of a weir, refurbishment of the abstraction tower, drilling of boreholes, installation of a rising main, construction of a 10 ML Water Treatment Works, and associated electrical works. Treated water will feed into existing and new storage facilities, with future planning for bulk supply and reticulation networks.

The project is in the implementation phase and will create temporary employment for 100 local residents, while opening opportunities for local SMMEs. Construction is scheduled to run for 12 months from the commencement date.

Mayor Cllr DX Dube: "This project is the answer to the water challenges that have been facing the community of Ward 7. We have had to introduce water shedding just to make sure people receive water, and at times families went for days without supply."

"We have more projects in the pipeline to ensure the community does not suffer from water scarcity again. We have projects that go as far as Entendeka that will commence in a few weeks. There are also plans of a new mall for this area in the future, and these water infrastructure projects are laying the groundwork for that development to happen."