The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has welcomed steady progress in the implementation of various mega water infrastructure projects critical to augmenting water supply, while calling for stronger project management to prevent further delays.
The committee today received a briefing from the Department of Water and Sanitation on various megaprojects and noted that, despite significant delays, tangible progress is now being made on several projects.
The committee noted that construction on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II is at 56%, against planned progress of 63.8%. The Clanwilliam Dam project is at 47%, while the Tzaneen Dam project is at 66%. The Mzimvubu Water Project is at 15%, with progress also being made towards the appointment of a contractor for the Crocodile River Augmentation Project Phase 2A.
“We welcome the progress being made on several mega water projects, but this progress must not be undermined by challenges that can and should be addressed. Delays in critical water infrastructure have consequences: they can increase costs, extend project timelines and ultimately delay the delivery of water to communities and the broader socio-economic development that these projects are intended to support,” said Mr Leon Basson, the Chairperson of the committee.
The committee’s concerns are informed by the extended delays experienced by several of these projects. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II commenced in 2018 and is projected for completion in December 2029. The raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall began in 2014 and is projected for completion in 2028, while the Mzimvubu Water Project commenced in 2015 and is planned for completion in May 2030.
The committee called for effective planning, project management and monitoring to ensure that challenges experienced previously are not repeated and that revised completion dates are achieved.
The committee also raised concerns about the disruption of infrastructure projects by local business forums, highlighting this as a potential risk to the timely delivery of critical infrastructure. It called for measures to mitigate this risk while ensuring meaningful participation by local businesses and communities.
“Local economic development must be part of infrastructure delivery, and we support meaningful participation by local businesses and communities. However, this cannot become a licence to disrupt projects or operate outside established rules and policies. Water infrastructure cannot be held hostage by disputes that could have been prevented or resolved through proper engagement,” Mr Basson said.
The committee emphasised that infrastructure projects must create opportunities for local economic development, skills transfer and broader socio-economic participation, but such participation must take place within established legal and policy frameworks.
The committee has committed to continue monitoring progress on the projects and expects the Department of Water and Sanitation, implementing entities and other responsible authorities to address identified challenges to ensure that critical water infrastructure is delivered efficiently and within the revised timeframes.
Malatswa Molepo
22 September 2026
Arrange a tour