Local water service provider Sembcorp Siza Water celebrated its 15th birthday with a series of events last week.
The company’s birthday also marks the halfway mark of their 30 year contract with Ilembe district municipality.
The celebrations began with a staff lunch on Friday afternoon, where managing director Shyam Misra thanked past and present staff for their contributions.
Staff with more than 10 years service were given special awards.
“What makes me proud is how we have empowered people to grow at Siza. We place emphasis on skills development and go the extra mile for our staff. What makes this company special is the staff and we are so grateful for your efforts.”
Sembcorp Siza Water’s history was remembered at a gala dinner on Saturday night at Simbithi Country Club.
Shareholders, Dr Aubrey Mokoape and Dr Mdu Gama, former KwaDukuza deputy mayor Bonny Maraj, current deputy mayor of KwaDukuza Dolly Govender and a number of local councillors attended the dinner. Both Dr Gama and Dr Mokoape highlighted the company’s appointment to manage the area’s water services, which was the first public private partnership in water services in the country.
When the company took over in 1999, the Dolphin Coast Transitional Council was trying to deal with huge water losses and sewage overflows.
Fifteen years later, Sembcorp Siza Water has made huge improvements to infrastructure.
Bonny Maraj, who was deputy mayor at the time of the concession, believes the partnership benefited all those involved.
“At the time, the majority of people in Nkobongo, Etete and Shakashead did not have potable water and services were woefully poor. Without these upgrades it would have been impossible to embark on housing projects in the area,” he said.
On Monday Misra launched a skills training programme in Shakashead, in partnership with Kuyakhanya Training and Development.
Twelve community members who were previously trained in bricklaying will attend a three-week course on plastering.
