MISGUND – As part of the celebration of World Water Day 2026, on 22 March, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) handed over the Misgund Bulk Water Scheme Project to Koukamma Local Municipality.

The project, funded through the DWS’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) to the tune of R15 million and implemented by its entity, Amatola Water, as the Implementing Agent, will benefit 404 households with an estimated population of 2,020 and address water shortages in Misgund.

Misgund is located approximately 203 km west of Gqeberha in the Sarah Baartman District, and its main revenue base is the soft fruit industry (apples, pears and peaches), especially for the export market.

Like many towns in the Koukamma Municipality, the area is largely dependent on boreholes and water from the Misgund Irrigation Dam for supply to the 404 households in the locality.

The borehole water was supplied without undergoing any treatment, which was a concern as water quality tests revealed elevated (unacceptably high) concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the groundwater.

The borehole water yield also did not meet the demand for the community.

As such, the DWS approved plans for a project to drill and equip two additional boreholes, construction of 400 kilolitres per day (kl/d) water treatment works, 300 kl raw water and 30 kl balancing reservoirs, and the installation of a 2.3 km bulk water supply rising mainline to convey water from the Misgund Dam to the water treatment works.

The handover of the project on World Water Day is significant as it responds to the global call for equitable access to water for all.

The event is part of the series of activities by the DWS to mark the global commemorative day, held annually on 22 March.

The day focuses on protecting freshwater resources, addressing the global water crisis, and supporting Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): water and sanitation for all by 2030.

This year’s global theme is “Water and Gender” with the slogan “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”

Therefore, the handing over of the bulk water supply project focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene as human rights and essential catalysts for gender equality, highlighting that women and girls often bear the brunt of water scarcity.

The celebration of Water Month also coincides with South Africa’s commemoration of Human Rights Day on 21 March, with an emphasis that water is a basic right that everybody must have, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.