The Plett Ratepayers Association’s Newsletter to Members sent out on 28 April 2026 contains an important update on Bitou Municipality’s activities regarding the water crisis in our area:
” PRIORITY ON WATER PROJECTS: Bitou Municipality has prioratized water security and resource preservation as the primary focus of its 2026/27 budget and long-term planning due to ongoing water scarcity and drought conditions. It is likely that we will still have level 4 restrictions for the next year or two. Planned and ongoing infrastructure projects for water security include:
1) Major Bulk Water Supply and Storage
- Bitou Bulk Water Supply Scheme (Wadrift Dam): Multi-year planning studies are underway for this major supply scheme.
- Keurbooms River to Roodefontein Dam Water Transfer Scheme: This project is divided into two phases, including the construction of a new transfer pipeline (Phase 1) and the upgrading of the existing abstraction works (Phase 2).
- Desalination Plant Refurbishment: Ongoing maintenance to ensure operational efficiency by replacing end-of-life filter cartridges and reverse osmosis membranes.
- Reservoir Upgrades: Planned upgrades for the Nature’s Valley Reservoir and the construction of a new reservoir and pump station in Green Valley.
2) Groundwater Exploration and Development
The municipality is aggressively exploring groundwater sources to augment supply. Key projects include: - George East Fault (Uplands): Drilling and equipping new boreholes and associated delivery pipelines.
- Kwanokuthula Wellfield: Refurbishment of existing boreholes, pumps, and pipelines.
- Kurland and Wittedrift: Ongoing groundwater refurbishment, augmentation, and development of new production boreholes.”
[Source: Plett Ratepayers Association, Newsletter to Members of 28 April 2026]