This delivery signals a critical phase of the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) project aimed at refurbishing and repairing the municipality's aging water supply infrastructure.

Addressing critical water infrastructure challenges

The municipality has long grappled with severe water infrastructure challenges, which have hindered the fulfilment of its strategic objectives. Key concerns include:

• Aged and failing infrastructure: Persistent leaks and pipe breakages disrupt supply.
• Limited clean water production capacity: Operational levels at the Vaal and Orange rivers remain at a critical point, with no standby pumps or protective equipment in place.
• Compromised filtration processes: Both the Riverton and Ritchie Water Treatment Works (WTW) face operational difficulties due to non-functioning valves and aged filter media, with only two filter banks in operation at Ritchie.
• Inadequate electrical supply: The current electrical infrastructure cannot support existing or future pumping capabilities.
• Dilapidated bulk water pipelines: Poorly regulated off-takes further compromise the system.

BFI Funding: A strategic response

To address these pressing issues, the Sol Plaatje Municipality successfully applied for BFI funding, with the primary objectives of:

1. Improving water supply and quality: From the Vaal River source in Riverton to the Newton storage facility in Kimberley, the project aims to address both capacity constraints and frequent disruptions caused by deteriorating infrastructure.
2. Enhancing revenue and upgrading infrastructure: The BFI initiative prioritises water demand management and conservation while undertaking crucial bulk pipeline refurbishments and upgrades.

Budget and funding allocation

The BFI programme, approved by National Treasury during the 2023/2024 financial year, allocates R2.5 billion over seven years. During the Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework (MTREF) period beginning June 2023, R1.152 billion was allocated to the Sol Plaatje Municipality:

2023/2024 Financial Year:

• Initial Allocation: R86 million (Reduced to R40 million by Treasury)
• Additional Internal Funding (CRR): R18.7 million
• Total Budget: R58.7 million
• Amount Spent: R58 million

2024/2025 Financial Year:

• RBIG: R492 million
• Internal Funding (CRR): R37.26 million
• First Tranche: R110 million (Transferred on 2 August 2024)
• Second Tranche: R250 million (Transferred at the end of October 2024)

2025/2026 Financial Year:

• RBIG Allocation: R574 million

BFI programme overview

The BFI Programme consists of 35 Work Packages/Projects valued at R2.5 billion, structured across various phases of development and implementation:

Three (3) Investigative Projects (Completed under Phase 1):

• Water Services Development Plan (WSDP)
• Smart Ball Survey
• Soil Corrosivity Testing

Two (2) Information Technology Projects (Under development):

• Leak Data Collation
• Mr. Leak & S-Leak

• Six (6) Projects Under Construction (Total Commitment: R237 million)
• Six (6) Projects at Tender Adjudication Stage (Planned Award: February 2025, Total Commitment: R354 million)
• Five (5) Projects at Preliminary Design Stage
• Thirteen (13) Projects at Concept & Viability Stage

BFI progress and ongoing projects

Currently, six contracts under construction represent a total funding commitment of R237 million, with the following key projects underway:

Additionally, an award has been made for the supply of a 1200mm diameter steel pipe (33 km in length) with a funding commitment of R347.9 million. This project involves:

• Purchasing coils for pipe manufacturing
• Pipe manufacturing, coating, and lining
• Pipe delivery and temporary storage

The total project commitment value for ongoing initiatives stands at R585 million.

Expenditure to date

Major gains from BFI programme

The Sol Plaatje Municipality’s BFI project continues to yield positive outcomes, significantly improving water supply and reducing water losses. With the implementation of advanced monitoring systems and targeted infrastructure repairs, the municipality has achieved notable milestones in stabilising and enhancing its water supply capabilities.

Digital monitoring enhancements

A key development under the BFI program has been the establishment of a comprehensive Digital Monitoring Platform. This platform tracks the entire water supply value chain, including:

• Digitised raw water abstraction measurements
• Treated water output measurements
• Off-take tracking
• Pressure and quality management

These digital upgrades ensure real-time tracking and improved oversight of water resources, enhancing the municipality’s ability to manage supply and identify issues promptly.

Leak repairs and water supply reliability

Through the BFI Leak Repair Project, 14 of the 27 major leaks on the bulk supply pipelines have been repaired. This has resulted in a more reliable and consistent water supply for the community, reducing the frequency and severity of disruptions.

Increased water production capacity

Significant improvements have been realized at the Riverton Water Treatment Plant (WTP), where production capacity has increased from an average of 85 megaliters per day to 105 megaliters per day. This increase has enabled the Newton Reservoir to maintain full capacity for extended periods over the past year, ensuring more consistent water availability.

Reduction in water losses and cost savings

The BFI interventions have led to a substantial reduction in water losses across the system:

• Average water losses between raw and treated water have decreased from 44% to 16%.
• This reduction translates to a 15% saving (17.25 megaliters/day), equating to R20.9 million annually (R1.74 million/month).
• The municipality plans to ring-fence these savings to support ongoing infrastructure maintenance and ensure the sustainability of the improved systems.
• These gains have been recognised by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), further validating the effectiveness of the BFI program.

Improved water quality standards

The municipality has also achieved significant improvements in water clarity (turbidity). Turbidity levels have decreased from 8 NTU to 2.6 NTU, well within the acceptable range defined by SANS 241 Drinking Water Standards. This enhancement is primarily due to refurbishments and upgrades at the Riverton clarifiers, ensuring a safer and cleaner water supply.

Commitment to local economic participation

The Sol Plaatje Municipality is committed to ensuring that 30% of BFI funding is spent locally, supporting local businesses and fostering community participation. Each tender under the BFI program includes Contract Participation Goals to ensure local economic benefits.

Community cooperation and future plans

While these advancements represent significant progress, the municipality acknowledges that water supply inconveniences may persist during the implementation of further interventions. Residents are encouraged to support and cooperate with ongoing projects to ensure their successful and timely completion.

The BFI program remains a crucial initiative in addressing the municipality’s aging and ailing water infrastructure, enhancing water conservation, and ensuring a reliable water supply for the future. With a total budget of R2.5 billion, the program’s continued success relies on the collaboration of all stakeholders and the community’s commitment to facilitating uninterrupted project execution.