TCTA took another significant step towards water security on 22 July when Chief Executive Officer Percy Sechemane and Zhang Peiliang signed the construction contract for the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation Project Phase 2 (MCWAP-2). Mr Zhang is the Chief Representative of PowerChina/ Sinohydro South Africa.
The signing took place at Summit, Menlyn. It was witnessed by all members of the TCTA Executive Committee, the MCWAP Project Manager, Kgopotso KC Mabitsela, and officials from Procurement and Communication and Stakeholders departments.
The contract confirms the appointment of a joint venture, PowerChina/Sinohydro and Entsika Consulting Services, which will act as the contractor for the project.
Mr Sechemane confirmed that the joint venture will deliver key infrastructure. This includes abstraction works, pumping stations, reservoirs and pipelines, along with other related multidisciplinary and supporting works.
The scheme will transfer water from the Crocodile (West) River to Steenbokpan and Lephalale. The project engineer will determine the location of the water supply infrastructure for Steenbokpan. This will ensure reliable delivery for both industrial
and community needs.
One of the standout features of the project is the River Management System (RMS). It will regulate water flow downstream of the Hartbeespoort and Klipvoor dams and selected tributaries. The RMS will extend to the proposed Vlieëpoort Weir near Thabazimbi. It will improve control of the river system and help manage the supply more sustainably.
The system will support environmental preservation and future development. It will also help build longterm water resilience in the region and beyond. During his speech, Mr Sechemane reflected on the long road to this milestone. He described the signing as a decisive moment for the country’s water resources.
“After such a long journey towards this moment, we are proud to come to this stage finally.” Mr Sechemane said. “As TCTA, we will ensure that we play our part to ensure the success of the project, and due to their wealth of experience in bulk infrastructure project implementation, we are confident that PowerChina/Sinohydro will also not disappoint the country.”
He emphasised that mining and power generation, as well as population growth, have placed pressure on water systems. “MCWAP-2, therefore, forms part of South Africa’s long-term water security strategy,” Mr Sechemane said.
“It is especially critical for Limpopo Province, a region of growing industrial demand. While MCWAP-1 successfully augmented supply to the Medupi and Matimba power stations, the scale of current and future demand calls for a stronger solution.” Mr Sechemane also noted that the signing marks the conclusion of the award process for MCWAP-2 construction. TCTA is preparing to host a sod-turning ceremony later this year. The event will officially mark the start of construction on this national key-point project
