uThukela District Municipality Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko and Exco member Cllr MV Khumalo, accompanied by Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality Mayor Jabu Mbhele and councillors, recently introduced the contractors to install water pipes in the KwaDlamini, KwaNdaba, Bhekuzulu and Phangweni areas outside Estcourt.
This is being done in an attempt to tackle water scarcity in these areas, a problem which has been ongoing for quite some time.
In her remarks, Cllr Mbhele told the audience that, as local government, they go to every corner to identify community needs in order to have a clear understanding of what the community wants.
“Today we are here to bring development in the form of water provision. We work together with relevant departments to bring basic services to the people,” Cllr Mbhele informed the community.
Exco member Cllr Khumalo then urged the community to work together with the contractors so that the project goes smoothly without any glitches. He informed the audience that a lot of money has been pumped into Inkosi Langalibalele municipal projects, more than in any other municipality in the district.
“We are here to introduce the contractor who will be constructing the communal stand pipes in these areas. The scheme is designed to feed a certain number of households and is not suitable for house connections,” said Cllr Khumalo.
R&D Construction was introduced to the community as the service provider who will carry out the project. The source funding is from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
The project is envisaged to create about 15 temporary jobs for locals. It is expected to take up to 10 months to complete, and an amount of over R18 million has been allocated. About 266 households will benefit from the project in these areas.
The next day, the district mayor announced the contractors to the communities of KwaBhekuzulu and Phangweni. The projects are funded by the Water & Sanitation Infrastructure Grant (WSIG).
In KwaBhekuzulu, about 40 job opportunities will be created and the project will take up to 15 months to complete. Over R13 million has been allocated and approximately 1071 households will benefit.
In the Phangweni area, the project is expected to create 80 job opportunities and will take up to 18 months to complete. Over R25 million has been allocated and about 673 households will benefit.
The mayor then advised people who want to become sub-contractors to register on the uThukela District Municipality database. He also informed them about training offered by the Local Economic Development unit to equip small businesses with vital skills.
Cllr Khumalo warned the community members against illegal water connections, as this hinders progress and development in terms of effective service delivery.
He said that illegal connections are against the law and those who are engaged in these practices will face the consequences.
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