R22.9 Million Avon Water Project Handed Over in Limpopo to Fight Water Shortages
The Department of Water and Sanitation handed over the R22.9 million Avon Water Project on Friday, March 23, 2026, in the Ga-Seakamela community of Blouberg Local Municipality, Capricorn District, Limpopo. DWS Limpopo Provincial Head Lucy Kobe led the event to tackle the village’s long-standing water shortages, where people lacked a steady supply before. Funded by the Water Services Infrastructure Grant, the project now delivers reliable water to residents. This article covers the handover ceremony, key infrastructure, local reactions, and a related water initiative in KwaZulu-Natal.
Officials gathered for the handover, including Lucy Kobe, Capricorn District Municipality Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, Blouberg Local Municipality Mayor Maria Thamaga, and representatives from Lepelle Northern Water. The group visited sites like Selaelo Primary School, where new boreholes provide better water access for students and staff. These steps show direct efforts to reach everyday needs in the area.
The Avon Water Project includes several key parts, all built with WSIG funds. Boreholes are wells drilled deep into the ground to pull up water. Here is a list of the main components:
- Two new boreholes and four refurbished ones, yielding 604.8 kilolitres per day over 24 hours.
- Five pump houses to move water efficiently.
- A 200-kilolitre elevated steel tank for storage.
- Three kilometres of bulk pipeline.
- One kilometre of galvanised steel pipeline linking boreholes to reservoirs.
- Reticulation of 100 standpipes for easy community access.
- Palisade fencing to protect the setup.
“In addition, the project includes two newly drilled boreholes and four refurbished ones, with a combined yield of 604.8 kilolitres per day at a 24-hour pumping cycle,” Kobe said. “In addition, the project includes five pump houses, a 200-kilolitre elevated steel tank, the construction of three kilometres of bulk pipeline and one kilometre of galvanised steel pipeline connecting boreholes to storage reservoirs, as well as the reticulation of 100 standpipes and palisade fencing for the infrastructure.”
Local leaders praised the Avon Water Project for lifting residents’ quality of life. They noted easier daily tasks like cooking and cleaning with steady water. Kobe stressed the need to protect this progress.
Communities must guard water infrastructure against vandalism and use water wisely to keep it working for years.
Her words serve as a clear call during this key time.
The handover tied into National Water Month and World Water Day on March 22. At Ditlou Sports Grounds, officials held a community session. Residents shared thanks for the service improvements and ongoing help.
In related news, the department will launch the Bhongweni Water Supply Project on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Harry Gwala District Municipality, Greater Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. This effort, funded by DWS and run by the municipality, upgrades water lines for rural homes. It targets gaps in clean water access. The table below outlines the main features:
| Component | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary bulk pipeline | Upgrade of about 5 km to 315 mm diameter from treatment works to reservoir | Better flow to Bhongweni area, serving current and future needs |
| Service reservoir | Upgrade to 2.5 megalitres (a million litres) capacity | Steady storage for reliable daily supply |
| Reticulation mains | Extension and upgrades for homes | Benefits 3,783 households now, up to 5,626 by 2047, boosting health and growth |