Millions spent on waterworks
The municipality has awarded two contracts for the upgrade, which will create temporary employment for the local community.
MURCHISON and Gamalakhe communities will be delighted to learn that millions have been set aside for the extension of the Bhobhoyi waterworks to produce an additional 27 megalitres to improve water supply in these areas.
The community witnessed a sod turning by the Ugu District Municipality, marking the continuation of the Umzimkulu Water Augmentation Scheme.
The municipality has awarded two contracts for the upgrade, which will create temporary employment for the local community.
The construction of the 27 megalitres extension to the Bhobhoyi Water Treatment Works was awarded to Eyethu Translodge and Plant Hire at R49 965 192.66. And the contract for the mechanical and electrical works was awarded to PCISA at a cost of R21 090 057.46.
“As the municipality we always stress to contractors to use local labour and assist government fight the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” said mayor Ntombifikile Gumede.
The project commenced in 2006. The raw water storage dam was constructed in 2009 and the upgrade of the raw water pump station was completed in 2010. “The current capacity is 54 megalitres and it will be increased to 81 megalitres after the extension. The ultimate capacity is 108 megalitres, which is currently at a planning stage,” said the Ugu mayor.
She added that the upgrade of the waterworks will also address the current water supply predicament experienced by the Murchison and Gamalakhe communities. It also addresses the troublesome supply at KwaMadlala, Lousiana, Oshabeni, KwaNdwalane and KwaMavundla.
While works are soon to commence, mayor Gumede called for the community to support the engineers and contractors involved in this project unreservedly for the benefit of the community in terms of potable water supply.
