NGQAMAKHWE– A major breakthrough in rural service delivery was launched on 18 November 2025 when Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and Mnquma Local Municipality officially handed over the Ngqamakhwe Regional Water Supply Scheme Phase 3 at Trustfarm Location, Blythswood Junior Secondary School in Ngqamakhwe.
The multimillion‑rand project marks a significant milestone in the municipalities efforts to improve access to clean water for communities in the Ngqamakhwe area. Valued at R27 Million, the initiative will supply potable water to ten rural villages benefitting hundreds of households. It also provided 29 job opportunities for local residents during with its 12‑month construction period, which ran from September 2024 to September 2025.
ADM Executive Mayor Cllr. Anele Ntsangani, highlighted the importance of safeguarding the new infrastructure. “We spent R27 million on this project, we hope there will be fewer water‑mafia activities and that no one will vandalise the infrastructure. Residents have promised to look after the property and as government we will employ security to protect the infrastructure and ensure reliable access to water,” Ntsangani said during the launch.
State‑of‑the‑art water infrastructure Phase 3 of the regional scheme includes two reinforced concrete reservoirs, a rising pressure tank, extensive village reticulation systems, and numerous standpipes to ensure that communities have direct access to safe drinking water. These upgrades form part of a long‑term strategy to address water shortages in rural Eastern Cape communities.
Furthmore, Mnquma Local Municipality project manager Onke Sikhephu, expressed gratitude for the project’s successful delivery despite technical obstacles. “We are grateful that this project was a success despite challenges such as hard rock, deep rural terrain, and harsh weather conditions. We managed to overcome them and finish the work,” Sikhephu said.
In addition community member Nombuyekezo Kanase shared her excitement, “We are very excited and grateful for this project, the municipality did what we have been wishing for for many years. We have been drinking dirty water, which was unsafe and could cause diarrhoea. I now have water in my house, I am happy-ndiyabulela.”
A boost for local participation and economic inclusion, local labour and community participation were central to the implementation approach, ensuring that the project not only delivered infrastructure but also supported livelihoods.
By involving community members, the project fostered local ownership, strengthened economic inclusion and contributed to sustainable development.
Delivery partners Sontinga Consulting Services and Simi Investments played key roles in the project’s planning and construction phases, working in line with ADM’s commitment to selfless, excellent and sustainable service. A step toward long‑term water security the completion of Phase 3 of the Ngqamakhwe Regional Water Supply Scheme represents a major step forward in ensuring long‑term water security for rural villages.
With improved infrastructure, strengthened community involvement and renewed government commitment, the initiative provides a foundation for healthier, safer, and more resilient communities.
As residents begin to enjoy the benefits of reliable clean water, the project stands as a testament to what collaborative governance and community partnership can achieve.
Photographs: supplied
