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Will bulk water project bring relief, or just more empty promises?

Aging infrastructure blamed as residents buy expensive water

By Bernard Chiguvare • 18 February 2026
Will bulk water project bring relief, or just more empty promises?

Residents in Louis Trichardt and surrounding areas have faced severe water shortages for years due to aging infrastructure and population growth. The R515 million Kutama Sinthumule Bulk Water Project, set to finish by March 30, aims to finally provide consistent water access after years of delays and resident-funded stopgaps.

Residents of Newtown in Louis Trichardt, Tshikota and surrounding villages have endured years of daily water shortages — a situation that could soon change with the completion of the Kutama Sinthumule Bulk Water Project. The R515 million project, which began in 2014, is expected to be finished by 30 March.

Carno Smit, who lives in Mimosa Street, knows the struggle all too well. In 2023, after years of inconsistent supply from the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), he bought waterpipes ...

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