Rustenburg – Magalies Water Board has completed a comprehensive five-day strategic knowledge-sharing exercise in Shanghai, China, facilitated by the New Development Bank (NDB).
The board said the primary objective of this event was to foster information exchange, gather industry insights, and explore proactive infrastructure designs and initiatives utilised by select water sector peers in Shanghai, China.
The knowledge-sharing exercise represented a significant milestone for the Magalies Water Board.
The board on Friday, 25 July 2025, said two projects will benefit from the NBD social and economic funding initiative: the Pilanesberg Bulk Water Supply Scheme and the Moretele North Klipvoor Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
“Both projects have progressed to the post-appraisal phase, indicating increased momentum for coordinated implementation and effective project delivery,” said David Magae, spokesperson for Magalies Water in the North West.
“Given that the projects are currently in the design development phase, the knowledge-sharing initiative will play a crucial role in aligning these upcoming projects with advanced design modalities employed by leading water treatment and advanced design institutes internationally.
“This collaboration will enable the integration of the best practices and innovative approaches from the industry leaders, enhancing the potential for successful implementation and optimising performance outcomes.”
Magae said current insights have been obtained from several NDB-funded projects underway in various neighbouring provinces around Shanghai.
“One notable initiative centre on an integrated post-treatment protocol that effectively sequentially incorporates advanced technological processes,” the spokesperson said.
“This project targets the reduction of taste and odour compounds in drinking water, specifically addressing the prevalent contaminants Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol.
“The treatment regimen synergistically combines Ozone treatment, Granular Activated Carbon filtration, and Ultraviolet irradiation as final polishing steps, enhancing the overall efficacy of the water purification process.”
The initiative was led by Luo Yang, Team Leader of the NDB, alongside Magalies Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Ofentse Nthutang.
Magae said the Magalies Water team had the opportunity to visit five major water treatment facilities, including:
- The Suzhou Wuzhong Water Company treatment plant, water intake facility and pump station,
- Ice slurry intervention site,
- Shenzhou Water Treatment Works and Smart Water Centre,
- Shanghai Chengtou Raw Water Company and Shanghai Yangshupu Waterworks, concluding with
- The Shanghai Municipal Engineering Design Institute.
Magae said these visits were instrumental in providing valuable insights into the implementation of ongoing projects and enhancing the development of existing water treatment works, with prospects for a gradual transition toward smart water management and advanced treatment technologies for Magalies Water.
In concluding the visit, Nthutang highlighted the significance of the knowledge-sharing exercise, the key insights gained, and the necessity for continued collaboration among the participating entities, locally and globally.
The Magalies Water CEO emphasised that the challenges faced by water treatment entities are interconnected, regardless of their geographical location and water sources.
He further highlighted Magalies Water’s continued commitment to striving to provide water to its consumers that surpasses the drinking water standards stipulated in the SANS 241:2015 standard, thereby necessitating the need for continuous improvement collaborations and partnerships.
Nthutang extended gratitude to NDB for facilitating the valuable platform, which underscores the Bank’s crucial role, not just as a financier but also as a strategic partner in driving sustainable development.
