13 Mar Mpumalanga’s water infrastructure overhaul paves the way for sustainable development
13 March 2025 – A recent comprehensive upgrade of water treatment facilities in the Driekoppies region in Mpumalanga has highlighted the critical need for centralised management and robust infrastructure to meet the growing demand for water, notes Lubisi Consulting Engineers.
“Our recent work on the Masibekela water treatment works, under the Sibange Regional Water Scheme Project, which feeds multiple villages, including Sibange, Madadeni, Ntunda and Sikhwhlane, underscored the importance of creating a centralised water network.
“While some areas had dedicated systems in the form of package plants that would deliver between one and two megalitres a day, most residents in the area did not have access to clean drinking water. The package plants were also exhausted owing to limited sources, while some communities were served by water tankers and others had their supply rationed,” James Mhanda, engineer at Lubisi Consulting Engineers, states.
By shifting from decentralised systems to a phased, centralised approach, multiple communities now receive adequate quality and safe drinking water. “This initiative aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. It also revealed that centralising water supply is not just a logistical choice, but an essential strategy for sustainable development,” adds Mhanda.
By establishing comprehensive water treatment works, interconnected pipelines, pump stations, and strategically placed reservoirs, the region is moving closer to a future where every household has reliable access to safe drinking water.
Mhanda adds that feasibility studies undertaken during the project emphasised the need for robust infrastructure, including primary and secondary pipelines and reservoirs. These systems facilitate gravity-fed delivery, reducing energy costs and enhancing overall efficiency. Lubisi Consulting Engineers also prescribed the implementation of real-time water quality monitoring systems to ensure that the water supplied to surrounding communities from this project meets stringent health standards before reaching consumers.
“The transition to centralised water supply systems represents a proactive approach to managing one of our most vital resources,” he notes. By investing in comprehensive infrastructure development, Mpumalanga is ensuring reliable access to clean water for its communities, fostering public health, and supporting sustainable growth.
“As we move forward, continuous assessment and adaptation will be key to meeting the evolving needs of populations while safeguarding our environmental resources,” Mhanda concludes.
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Images and captions:
James Mhanda, engineer at Lubisi Consulting Engineers
By shifting from decentralised systems to a phased, centralised approach, multiple communities now receive adequate quality and safe drinking water
About Lubisi Consulting Engineers
Lubisi Consulting Engineers is a professional services firm, which provides Water Resources Engineering and Structural Engineering Services. The firm was founded in 2004 and has since its inception supported and provided services to government institutions and the private sector.
Media Contact:
Megan van Wyngaardt | SWM Communications
Tel: 0743366772
Contact:
Chalmers Pagiwa, Managing Director
Tel. +27 82 883 8260
chalmersp@lubisi.co.za