The hive understands the need for synergistic co-existence
Collaboration is a key principle of the OMM Programme
The Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme was formalised through the signing of a Heads of Terms for an OMM Framework Agreement in 2022 between the Commercial User Consortium, represented by the Lebalelo Water User Association (LWUA), and the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
Collaboration is a key principle of the OMM Programme
Proposed OMM WUA governance structure
In terms of the proposed governance model, the OMM Programme will be housed within a soon-to-be transformed LWUA (it will become the OMM Water User Association [OMM WUA]) as a collaboration between the Commercial User Consortium and Government.
The proposed OMM WUA governance structure is underpinned by a Charter in accordance with the principles of KingIV ™ good governance. The committee shall consist of 7 members: 3 appointed by DWS, 3 appointed by the Commercial Users Consortium, with the CEO as a co-opted member.
OMM Programme members
The need for the OMM Programme
- Relieving pressure on the Flag Boshielo dam,
- Supplying additional water to Polokwane,
- Supplying water to Mokopane and Sekuruwe,
- Accelerating potable water supply in the Northern and Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
While the ORWRDP has been partially developed over the last two decades (Phase 1A, 2A and 2C), more recent water needs studies, together with rising community pressure, have highlighted the need to adjust and accelerate the ORWRDP to meet commercial and community water needs.
The map below provides an overview of the OMM Programme and how it links in with the ORWRDP.
The need for the OMM Programme
To understand the origin of the Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme it is important to have a brief overview of the Olifants River Water Resources Development Plan (ORWRDP). Conceptualised by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the late 1990’s, the ORWRDP was designed to address water needs in the Middle Olifants River catchment area in the Limpopo Province. This would be done by:
- Relieving pressure on the Flag Boshielo dam,
- Supplying additional water to Polokwane,
- Supplying water to Mokopane and Sekuruwe,
- Accelerating potable water supply in the Northern and Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
While the ORWRDP has been partially developed over the last two decades (Phase 1A, 2A and 2C), more recent water needs studies, together with rising community pressure, have highlighted the need to adjust and accelerate the ORWRDP to meet commercial and community water needs.
The map below provides an overview of the OMM Programme and how it links in with the ORWRDP.
Answering the call for infrastructure-led economic recovery
The Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme aims to improve socio-economic growth in the Limpopo Province through the acceleration of the ORWRDP and the cost-effective provision of potable and bulk raw water infrastructure to defined areas in the Northern and Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
The Programme will not only unlock the strategic mineral and industrial potential in the region, but will also provide, among a range of benefits, much needed water security, job creation and socio-economic development.
Answering the call for infrastructure-led economic recovery
The Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme aims to improve socio-economic growth in the Limpopo Province through the acceleration of the ORWRDP and the cost-effective provision of potable and bulk raw water infrastructure to defined areas in the Northern and Eastern Limb of the Bushveld Igneous Complex.
The Programme will not only unlock the strategic mineral and industrial potential in the region, but will also provide, among a range of benefits, much needed water security, job creation and socio-economic development.
SED priority themes
Programme Objectives:
What does the OMM Programme aim to achieve?
Water Security
Accelerate delivery of ORWRDP and supply potable & bulk raw water infrastructure to identified areas.
Economic Growth
Facilitate enabling infrastructure essential to the industrialisation of the Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) and to take advantage of mining commodity cycles.
Job Creation
Create approximately 42’000 local jobs through construction and system operations, and mining developments. Develop skills in the water sector.
Cost Savings
Save costs by utilising existing dams and infrastructure to their optimal efficiency levels and leveraging private sector contributions.
Fiscus Support
Align with the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. Increase in tax revenues during construction and operation.
Socio-Economic Development
Accelerate socio-economic development in Limpopo Province through localisation of infrastructure and operational spend. Widen skills base through local and regional skills development.
Sustainability
Focus on compliance of sustainability principles of the economy, society and the environment by mandating OMM to implement the Programme, and manage and operate bulk raw water infrastructure.
Model Pilot Programme
Demonstrate a public-private collaboration model that may be replicated across the country.
Social Harmony
Improve social harmony in through the provisioning of water, job creation and socio-economic development.
Programme Scope:
How will the OMM Programme meet its objectives?
Augment Supply
Move a portion of the scheme’s current supply from Flag Boshielo dam, via the abstraction point on the Olifants River at the Havercroft Weir, to the De Hoop dam to enable water supply to the Mogalakwena area from the Flag Boshielo dam.
Re-Sequence ORWRDP
Re-sequence the construction of the ORWRDP bulk raw water infrastructure to meet revised water needs and reduce capital infrastructure costs.
Resource Partnership
Establish a resourcing partnership through the OMM Water User Association to construct, operate and maintain defined infrastructure.
Socio-Economic Development
Implement a socio-economic development (SED) plan, focused on potable water (for approximately 380’000 people), sanitation services, connectivity, education and enterprise development, to develop skills, create jobs and change behaviour.
Get regular
progress updates
For the latest news on the Olifants Management Model (OMM) Programme, please see our latest quarterly newsletter – you can find it in the Documents section of this website under News & Media.