Thukela Water Project

SYNOPSIS

The Thukela Water Project (TWP) is a proposed major, five billion Rand (1998 prices), water resource development project that will be situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its strategic intent is to augment water supplies to the industrial heartland of the country, otherwise known as the Vaal River System (VRS).

The Thukela Water Project, situated in the uThukela Region of KwaZulu-Natal, has the potential to stimulate local and regional economic growth, and can contribute significantly to the South African Government's policy objectives, viz.: security of water supply to the VRS; economic empowerment of previously disenfranchised people; poverty alleviation and job creation.

In assessing the viability of the Thukela Water Project, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) has fully embraced the principles of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM). This has been underpinned by thorough and comprehensive public involvement in support of incremental decision making.

Feasibility Study findings indicate that the Thukela Water Project is technically feasible, and environmentally and economically viable. As such, the Thukela Water Project stands as an attractive alternative to augment the water resources in the Vaal River System following Phase 1B of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

Should a decision be made to continue with the Thukela Water Project, it will be necessary to refine the technical configuration of the scheme in line with findings of a Thukela River Reserve Determination (in progress as part of the recently launched Decision Support Phase) and an Environmental Impact Assessment (to be undertaken when a decision is made to proceed with the Thukela Water Project).