R25bn Limpopo water project reaches financial close to accelerate mining growth

LIMPOPO BULK WATER SUPPLY

- HELMO PREUSS.

The Badirammogo Water User Association (BWUA) and its partners have reached financial close on the first phase of a 10-year, R25 billion bulk water supply project in Limpopo, marking a major milestone for water security, job creation and mining development in the province.

The announcement was made at a media briefing held alongside a signing ceremony in Sandton on Friday.

Once fully implemented, the project is expected to create about 42 000 jobs and provide reliable potable water to approximately 390 000 people.

The project will be implemented in six phases. Stage 1, which is expected to take 33 months to complete, will cost R8.5bn and is expected to commence construction shortly.

It includes a strong renewable energy component, with three 10-megawatt solar photovoltaic plants planned to power pump stations and water treatment works, as well as conduit hydropower turbines producing 300 kilowatts each.