A public meeting for Ward 87 was held in Forest Town to give the residents some information on what to expect during the water pipe replacement project. The project by Johannesburg Water is set to go on for seven months in the town.
Ward 87 councillor Bridget Steer said the total value of the project is about R20 million. “The infrastructure is old and we want to start fixing it. The new pipes should resolve water supply pressure.”
She added that as the ward councillor she only does oversight and representatives from the regional office dealt with management of projects. The four officials for the four phases of the project then gave a rundown of the project.
Stakeholder relations officer from the City, Sindisiwe Buthelezi said there were four phases but there were three contractors so far; therefore a liaison officer would be needed from the community.
“There will be excavation, backfilling and pipe cracking among others. We will need SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) to assist as well as security personnel.”
She added that a vacancy advert would be circulated in the public outlets; shortlisting and interviews will take place followed by the placement of appropriate candidates.
To that councillor Steer added that similar projects had been done in Greenside and people with no skills were employed thus using the opportunity as a skills development.
Design engineer from Johannesburg Water Rabelani Nevhulaudzi presented a drawn illustration of the project done in various colours to show its phases.
He said they aimed at replacing old pipes with new ones. “When we are cracking, we will give people seven days’ notice and we will do it during those hours when most people don’t make use of water. Even so, a bypass will be provided for people to have water if cracking is not finished on set time.”
He added that labourers to be considered should be 18 years and above and with a South African ID. Nevhulaudzi also said they plan to start in early February.
Details: Johannesburg Water 086 056 2874
Are there any projects the City is doing in your suburb? Email details of the project to naidines@caxton.co.za
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