Kouga Local Municipality is making significant strides in infrastructure development with three major projects currently underway or set to commence soon.
With a combined investment exceeding R106 million, these initiatives aim to enhance service delivery, improve quality of life, and support sustainable growth across the region.
KwaNomzamo WWTW upgrade nears completion
The KwaNomzamo Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in Humansdorp is approaching completion following a substantial R49 million upgrade.
Set to benefit over 2,200 households, the project remains on track for completion by August 2025 despite challenges posed by abnormal weather conditions and heavy rainfall.
Originally allocated a Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) budget of R42.36 million, project costs escalated to R49.32 million due to unforeseen additional civil works, including security fencing to combat vandalism and refurbishments of reactors and clarifiers.
The upgraded WWTW – with a treatment capacity of 2.5 million litres per day – will serve Boskloof, Panorama, Mat Melville, Humansdorp Central, and the Industrial Area.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman emphasised the vital role the WWTW plays in the community: “It is vital for infrastructure development because it is designed to support the KwaNomzamo 400 housing project, addressing housing demands in the rapidly growing community. Furthermore, by incorporating advanced treatment technologies, the facility contributes to better sanitation and hygiene, directly impacting residents’ quality of life.”
He added, “The project represents a significant investment in the community’s future, aligning with goals of reliable infrastructure and fostering growth.”
The project aims to not only increase the treatment capacity of the plant but also to remove impediments hindering the progression of the KwaNomzamo 400 housing project.
The scope of work includes secondary settling tank equipment, pump station equipment, chlorine dosing equipment, return activated sludge (RAS) pump station, chlorine contact tank, and interconnection pipework.
It furthermore includes the refurbishment of the bridge structure and the reinstatement of the sludge dewatering belt press.
Second phase of Jeffreys Bay sewer rising main augmentation project
Funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the second phase of the sewer rising main augmentation project in Jeffreys Bay has been registered to a total project value of R37.4 million – with construction set to commence within the next two years.
The first phase, successfully completed using internal funding, introduced a robust 350mm diameter Class 12 uPVC sewer rising main. This main links the La Mer Pump Station to Pump Station 4A, which will eventually integrate with Pump Station 4B, before reaching the Jeffreys Bay WWTW.
The second phase will establish a connection between Sewer Pump Station 4A and the Jeffreys Bay Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW).
This phase is still in the design stage, and the Environmental Authorisation has been obtained. Kouga Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, noted that this vital upgrade will significantly improve operational efficiency and enhance the quality of life for residents.
“It will, furthermore, enhance reliability and strengthen the foundation for future growth,” he said.
High mast lighting project to enhance safety across Kouga
Kouga Local Municipality is set to implement a high mast lighting project commencing in the 2025/26 financial year.
The multi-year initiative will be funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) at a total cost of R20 million and aims to provide improved lighting in key areas across the region.
The project includes the installation of three cutting-edge solar-powered high mast lights in Hankey (Weston), Patensie (Ramaphosa Village) and Thornhill (Tjoksville), along with eight grid-tied high mast lights in various locations.
These include Humansdorp (Jeugkamp, Extension 391, Arcadia / Bo-Blok, KwaNomzamo Shukushukuma and KwaNomzamo Vergenoeg), St Francis Bay (Sea Vista), Jeffreys Bay (No. 10 Rand), and Oyster Bay.
In 2021, state-of-the-art LED lights were installed in Lower Golf Course, KwaNomzamo; Arcadia, Donkerhoek, and Gill Marcus, with an investment exceeding R1 million.
Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman praised the initiative, highlighting the profound impact it would have on local communities. “Our residents are at the heart of everything we do,” he affirmed. “These high mast lights are especially effective in areas vulnerable to crime and vandalism, as they are far more durable than conventional streetlights. Their contribution to safety and security cannot be overstated.”
