22/10/2026
CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS UPDATE ON THE NEWCASTLE EAST SANITATION AND WATER WORKS (SAWS) - BUFFALO RIVER ABSTRACTION WORKS AND 10ML WATER TREATMENT WORKS PACKAGE PLANT
The Newcastle Municipality is making steady progress on the construction of the Buffalo River Abstraction Works and 10 Megalitre Water Treatment Works Package Plant, a strategic bulk water infrastructure project aimed at strengthening sustainable water supply to Newcastle East.
Construction is underway across multiple components, with notable progress recorded to date.
A total of 50 personnel are currently on site, including 42 local labourers comprising 22 males and 20 females. This demonstrates the Municipality's commitment to local job creation, skills development and women empowerment. In addition, two in-service training students have been appointed and six local subcontractors have been engaged, contributing directly to local economic development.
The appointed subcontractors are Codegenia Technologies for guard house construction, Canover Trading and Supply for fencing, Isikhumba Sebhele Security for security services, Mazibuko's Events for sanitation, Kimberley Asset for plant hire and supply of G5 and G7 material, and Thabekhulu Projects for sand and stone supply.
Significant progress has been made on ancillary buildings:
1. Guardhouse - 91 percent complete. All major works including site clearance, earthworks, concrete works, brickwork, plastering and painting, electrical works, plumbing and drainage, and roof covering have been completed, with only metalwork and glazing remaining at 16 percent.
2. Staff Accommodation - 83 percent complete. All structural works including site clearance, earthworks, concrete works, brickwork, plastering and painting, electrical works, plumbing and drainage, and roof covering are complete. Outstanding works include carpentry and joinery, and metalwork and glazing at 28 percent.
3. 10MLD WTW Package Plant - 13 percent complete. Site clearance and earthworks are complete, while concrete works stand at 47 percent. The next phase will involve the supply and installation of the water treatment package plant, including electrical and mechanical works, pre-treatment, ultra-filtration and commissioning.
4. WTW Shelters - 10 percent complete, with 400 metres of fencing already completed.
Essential materials including PVC pipes, tiles, paint, ceiling materials and four JoJo tanks have been delivered and are on site. Current activities include installation of IBR roof sheeting with fascia boards, installation of 160mm PVC plumbing drainage, construction of the septic tank blinding layer, tiling, painting and ceiling preparation with electrical wiring.
The Buffalo River Abstraction Works and 10ML WTW Package Plant remains a priority catalytic project for Newcastle Municipality. Upon its completion, it will significantly enhance water security and treatment capacity for communities in Newcastle East.
The Municipality, together with its implementing agent, continues to closely monitor the project to ensure quality, safety and timely delivery.
