LOERIE – Kouga Local Municipality joined Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) on 9 September for the official launch of the upgraded Loerie Sewer Pump Station and new Rising Main Project, a R5.98 million investment aimed at strengthening sewer infrastructure and improving service delivery in the Loerie community.

According to a statement by the municipality, the project was developed and funded under the Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) to address recurring failures at the existing sewer pump station and the deteriorating condition of the existing rising main.

Hattingh Bornman (Kouga Executive Mayor), Lorraine Maree (Speaker of Council), Councillor Reinhardt Foley (MMC for Civil and Water Services), Councillor Gregory Stuurman, Charles de Kock (Civil and Water Services Director), and members of the Civil and Water Services team joined Majodina and DWS representatives at the launch.

Project aims to improve service delivery

Welcoming the Minister and her delegation to Kouga, Bornman described the project as an important step towards strengthening the municipality’s water and sanitation infrastructure.

“It is an honour to welcome Minister Majodina and her team to Kouga. Today we are not simply opening a pump station; we are opening a door to better, more reliable service delivery for the people of Loerie,” said Bornman.

“I am proud of what has been achieved, but I will also be the first to acknowledge that our work is far from over. Water and sanitation remain critical priorities for Kouga. We have plans in place, we have the will to implement them, and we will continue working with our partners to ensure that our communities receive the services they deserve.

“Infrastructure is not just concrete, pipes and machinery. It is about dignity. It is about protecting our communities, our environment and the quality of life of our residents. This project demonstrates what is possible when government works together with a clear purpose: to serve our people.”

Upgrade follows recurring pump failures

According to the municipality, it implemented the Loerie Sewer Pump Station upgrade and new Rising Main Project following recurring failures of the existing pump station and concerns regarding the condition of the existing rising main.

The project progressed through professional service appointments, DWS Business Plan approval, procurement, construction and completion.

New infrastructure delivered

The R5.98 million project delivered a comprehensive upgrade, including:

• A 225-metre new sewer pumping/rising main;
• A 110-metre gravity sewer main;
• A new sump arrangement and pump equipment;
• A standby generator and associated building;
• Gantry infrastructure and required connections;
• Security and fencing; and
• SCADA monitoring infrastructure.

The municipality indicated that the contractor for the project was LRC Civils CC, while MJM Consulting Engineers served as the professional service provider.

Practical completion was achieved on 30 June, with the completion certificate issued on 31 August.

The Water Use Licence was issued on 5 August.

Facility forms part of broader plans

According to the municipality, the upgraded facility forms part of its broader commitment to Keep Kouga serviced by investing in and maintaining critical infrastructure that supports communities.

The launch also provided an opportunity for the municipality and DWS to engage on broader water and sanitation challenges facing the area, identify priority interventions and strengthen cooperation around sustainable solutions.

Minister engages with Loerie residents

The visit was followed by a public meeting, where Bornman and Majodina engaged directly with the Loerie community and responded to concerns raised by residents.

The municipality indicated that, for Kouga, the Loerie project is a practical demonstration of the value of strong intergovernmental cooperation.

“When we invest in infrastructure, we invest in people,” said Bornman.

“Our responsibility is to ensure that every rand invested translates into infrastructure that works, services that are sustainable and communities that can look to the future with confidence.”

ALSO READ: Minister Majodina faces backlash after vulgar outburst at Kouga community meeting