KANNALAND NEWS - Water security in Ladismith is set to receive a significant boost after the Western Cape Government announced a R40.5m investment in municipal water resilience projects across the province for the 2026/27 financial year.
According to Wouter Kriel, the spokesperson for Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Kannaland Municipality will receive dedicated funding aimed at strengthening long-term water sustainability in the region.
As part of the provincial programme, R3m has been allocated specifically for borehole refurbishments in Ladismith, while an additional R2m will support a deep borehole project in Calitzdorp.
Bredell said municipalities across the province continue to face growing pressure due to climate change, population growth and economic expansion, all of which place strain on water infrastructure and supply systems.
“Climate change, population growth and economic growth continue to challenge municipalities in delivering basic services to our residents. This is especially true in the case of water security. Proactive planning to build resilience through long-term investment in new water sources and infrastructure is therefore essential,” he said.
Strengthening Ladismith’s water resilience
The investment in Ladismith focuses on improving existing groundwater infrastructure to ensure a more reliable water supply, particularly during drought periods. Borehole refurbishment projects typically include upgrading pumps, improving yield efficiency and restoring ageing infrastructure, key measures for smaller towns that rely heavily on underground water sources.
The funding forms part of the Western Cape Water Resilience Strategy (2025 - 2035), which aims to secure an additional 350 million cubic metres of water supply for the province by 2035 through infrastructure upgrades, conservation initiatives and improved water governance.
Province-wide water projects
While Ladismith stands to benefit directly, several other municipalities will also receive support under the programme, including:
- Borehole testing and equipping in Beaufort West
- Reservoir construction in Eendekuil
- Desalination upgrades in Plettenberg Bay
- Water treatment and infrastructure improvements in Citrusdal, Lamberts Bay, Knysna, Laingsburg, Langeberg, Matzikama, Swellendam and Witzenberg municipalities
- In addition, the Department of Local Government will invest R7.5m in potable water tankers for district municipalities across the West Coast, Central Karoo, Cape Winelands, Overberg and Garden Route regions, with a further R5-million reserved as a contingency fund to respond to water emergencies.
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