Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane has officially launched the Vaal Gamagara Water Scheme in the Northern Cape. The scheme, valued at R18 billion, will involve the construction of a 430 km pipeline and the drilling of boreholes to augment water supply for about six municipalities and 22 villages. This will ensure security of supply up to 2040. The project will commence in July 2016 and should be completed in July 2018.