DUTYWA – Several villages in Dutywa which have been experiencing severe and long standing water supply challenges are set to benefit from the R81 million new Dutywa Water Supply Scheme project unveiled at the handover ceremony held in Drayini village, Mbhashe Municipality on Friday, 17 July.
The multimillion-rand Dutywa water scheme is expected to address longstanding water supply challenges in the area.
Rapid population growth and recurring low dam levels, particularly during the winter season, had placed significant pressure on existing water supply infrastructure, triggering water shortages and supply interruptions affecting thousands of residents.
The bulk water supply project was funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) and implemented by Simunye construction company.
Construction of the water scheme started in July 2023 and was fully completed in November 2025, supplying clean water to the town of Dutywa and four villages in Mbhashe, including Drayini, Newtown, Lencani and Ndakeni.
The scheme’s operation was disrupted and delayed when an electrical cable connecting the water pump to the Eskom grid was stolen, resulting in water outages across all four beneficiary villages.
Following acts of vandalism and theft, Amathole District Municipality (ADM) deployed security personnel to safeguard the scheme’s pump water infrastructure, which resulted in the restoration and full operation of the project.
Speaking at a handover ceremony, ADM executive mayor, Anele Ntsangani, urged communities to protect the public water infrastructure, adding that theft of electrical cables and vandalism of pump stations do not only damage municipal assets, but also deprive communities of access to water.
“The municipality will continue to work with community structures, law enforcement and Eskom to safeguard operational water schemes across the Amathole District,” said Ntsangani.
Speaking on behalf of traditional leadership, Nkosi Noluvuyo Sigcawu told residents to protect the water scheme from theft and vandalism.
“For many years, our communities experienced challenges in accessing water, and this project will make a meaningful difference in our daily lives. We urge residents to protect this water infrastructure, refrain from vandalism and work closely with law enforcement agencies to report criminal activities,” said Sigcawu.
The scheme includes the refurbishment of three pump stations at Golf Course, Ngxakaxha and Mputhi, as well as upgrades to mechanical and electrical infrastructure, including the installation of submersible pumps, control panels and backup generators.
The last phase of the project included the equipping of four boreholes, the construction of a new pump house, the installation of elevated steel reservoirs, approximately 11 kilometres of bulk water conveyance pipelines and 56 standpipes. The infrastructure will serve the communities of Drayini, Newtown, Lencani and Ndakeni. A total of 2,203 households, representing an estimated 10,741 residents, are expected to benefit from the completed scheme.
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