Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Nomvuyo Mposelwa
UGIE
Rural communities in the Elundini Local Municipality marked a major milestone on 7 May 2026 with the official launch and handover of the Elundini Rural Water Supply Programme Zone 1A, also known as the ORIO Programme. The ceremony took place in Gqaqhala village and was led by Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Councillor Nomvuyo Mposelwa.
Valued at approximately R215.15 million, the project will provide sustainable off-grid water supply solutions to 15 villages: Umnga, Phalisa, Daluxolo, Elalini, KwaJosephu, Esihlehlweni, Nayijele, Maqangulweni, Gqaqhala 1 and 2, Cicirha, Mbidlana, Mdago-Mbidlana, Mcwangele and Sithana.Contractor SSR Security CC Trading as Mahlubi Transport & Plant Hire was officially handed the project and introduced to the community following its appointment on 4 May 2026. Construction is set to begin after a short mobilisation period.
The contract will run for 36 months, with completion anticipated in May 2029. Communities will begin receiving water during the project cycle as infrastructure is commissioned in phases once each village’s system is completed.Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mposelwa said the ORIO Programme is “not only about infrastructure development, but about restoring dignity, equality and hope to communities that have endured years of water insecurity.”
She acknowledged the longstanding challenges faced by residents who have relied on unreliable boreholes, travelled long distances to fetch water and experienced prolonged interruptions.Municipal officials explained that delays in reaching the construction phase were due to extensive compliance, technical and environmental processes required by ORIO funding from the Government of the Netherlands through the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These included groundwater investigations, geotechnical studies, environmental assessments and infrastructure design work to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.The scope of work for Zone 1A covers borehole development, construction of pump houses, electrification, rising mains, storage reservoirs, reticulation networks, valve chambers and communal standpipes.
Boreholes have already been drilled and tested for water quality and yield capacity.Beyond water access, the programme is expected to create about 150 employment opportunities during construction and provide subcontracting opportunities for at least ten local small, medium and micro enterprises and emerging contractors, supporting local economic development and skills transfer.
JGDM Project Management Unit Manager Lumanyano Wana confirmed that Zone 1A is part of a broader intervention to address rural water backlogs across Elundini, with planning and technical investigations for Zones 2 and 3 already underway.
The handover concluded with appreciation to the Government of the Netherlands, technical teams, engineers, consultants, councillors, traditional leaders and community members for their contribution and patience. The municipality reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all communities in the district gain access to safe, reliable and sustainable water.
