Xonxa Dam on course

Water project to be complete by March

THE Xonxa Dam project, which will aim to supply more water to the Komani area, is expected to reach completion by March next year. The Xonxa Dam transfer scheme and bulk water supply project, which comprises the augmentation of the Komani bulk water supply through inter regional transfer of raw water from the Xonxa Dam to the Komani Water Treatment Works, is being overseen by the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM).

CHDM spokesman Thobeka Mqamelo said the project, which was initially estimated at R470-million, encompasses six contracts encompassing various phases of the project.

Several contracts have already been completed including the construction of the pumping station and connection at Xonxa Dam, the manufacturing and supply of coated and lined steel pipes, the installation of a pumping main which is the main pipe line from the pump station in Xonxa up the mountain to a reservoir constructed at the top, overlooking Ezibeleni and the installation of a gravity main, the main line that will allow water to flow from the reservoir to the Berry Dam.

The mechanical and electrical installation of the supply works is 99% complete while the bulk potable water supply contract is in progress.

Mqamelo said the main purpose of the project was to augment the current water supply shortfall in the area, which was critical to social and economic development and to increase the supply of bulk potable water to areas such as Machibini and Ilinge and villages around Xonxa Dam and along the pipeline route.