Majodina to Evaluate Progress on Eastern Cape Water Projects

Ntabelanga:Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, along with Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, is conducting an oversight visit today to the Ntabelanga Dam project, part of the Mzimvubu Water Project in the Eastern Cape. According to South African Government News Agency, the visit aims to assess the construction progress of the water reservoir, an essential element of the Mzimvubu Water Project. Located in the Ntabelanga mountains along the Tsitsa River, between the Elundini and Mhlontlo Local Municipalities in the Joe Gqabi District, the dam is designed to store 490 million cubic metres of water. It will provide both raw and potable water for agricultural and domestic use. The Mzimvubu Water Project Phase 1, which Majodina is evaluating, has been identified by the government as a strategic integrated project to boost socio-economic development in the eastern parts of the province. This mega-project involves building two multipurpose dams, Ntabelanga and Lalini, alongside infrastructure to support irrig ated agriculture, meet domestic water needs, and generate hydroelectric power. The project covers the OR Tambo, Alfred Nzo, and Joe Gqabi District Municipalities. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC Zolile Williams are accompanying the Minister and Deputy Minister on this visit. Additionally, on Sunday, 4 October 2026, Majodina is set to lead a delegation to inspect the proposed site for the Foxwood Dam along the Koonap River, outside Adelaide, under the Nxuba Local Municipality in the Amathole District. The dam is expected to have a storage capacity of about 55 million cubic metres of water. The Department of Water and Sanitation stated that the Minister will evaluate project progress, examine technical delays, and enforce accountability for the bulk water infrastructure projects.