In a significant move to address water supply challenges, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, alongside Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have sealed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina. This agreement, stemming from the bilateral cooperation on water resources management between the two nations, marks a crucial step towards alleviating water scarcity issues in the region.
The agreement, a product of the Joint Water Commission established in 2015, aims to provide a medium-term solution to the persistent water supply challenges faced by Musina, Limpopo. With the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant currently underutilized in Zimbabwe, boasting a capacity of 35 million cubic meters per annum, only 10% of this capacity is presently utilized for Beitbridge. Hence, the transfer of treated water presents an opportunity to optimize this underutilized resource to benefit communities in Musina.
Mchunu has expressed his optimism about the agreement, assuring the Musina community that the water transfer initiative will effectively tackle their water supply challenges. Emphasizing that the quantities earmarked for transfer exceed current demand, Mchunu underlined the significance of this endeavor in meeting the water needs of the region.
According to the terms of the agreement, both countries will initiate an implementation plan to oversee the construction of a pipeline and pump stations. This infrastructure will facilitate the transfer of 15 million cubic meters of treated water annually from Zimbabwe to Musina. The South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority will serve as implementing agents for the construction projects, with an anticipated completion date set for 2026.
In ensuring the quality of transferred water meets South Africa’s standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS) in alignment with WHO guidelines, both parties are committed to stringent quality control measures.
Meanwhile, the Department of Water and Sanitation is collaborating with the Vhembe District Municipality to address existing water infrastructure challenges in Musina. This includes rehabilitating non-functional boreholes to alleviate immediate water supply issues while the larger project is underway.
Expressing gratitude to the Zimbabwean government for expediting the water-sharing deal, Mchunu highlighted the transformative impact it will have on the lives of the people of Musina. Masuka echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s commitment to providing the agreed-upon volume of treated water annually to support Musina’s economic development sustainably.
As part of the implementation strategy, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, engaged in discussions with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership to explore immediate, medium-, and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges. An imbizo held subsequently provided the community with updates on the ongoing efforts to address water supply issues, as well as interim measures to mitigate intermittent water provision.
In summary, the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe signifies a significant milestone in addressing water scarcity in Musina. By leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering international cooperation, this initiative holds promise for sustainable economic development and improved living standards for the people of the region.
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