Premier worried about Manganese contamination in the water supply in eMalahleni
Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane’s state address lays out a plan for Mpumalanga's future, promising sustainable growth and community well-being.
In the Mpumalanga State of the Province Address (SOPA) 2024, Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane delivered a compelling overview of the region’s achievements and unveiled ambitious plans for the future, emphasising a commitment to sustainable development and community well-being.
The SOPA took place on Friday, March1 at the Legislature in Mbombela.
The premier covered various subtopics, including ‘there shall be work and security, infrastructure development,roads and transport, Nkosi City Development,tourism, land shall be shared among those who work it, food & nutrition security plan, free medical care and hospitalisation, caring for vulnerable and marginalised groups, the doors of learning and culture shall be opened, water and sanitation, disaster management, traditional institutions and (Ingoma) custom practice, there shall be security and comfort culture, and sports and recreation.’
Addressing concerns in eMalahleni, premier said, “We are concerned about the Manganese contamination in the water supply in eMalahleni. We have intervened by deploying three civil engineers, one environmental engineer, two water scientists, and two technicians to determine the source of the problem, and we have conducted exploratory tests by taking samples to determine the extent of the contamination.”
The premier also shed light on significant infrastructure projects, stating, “In eMalahleni, the construction of the 40 MVA Duvha substation is under construction.”
Furthermore, Tsipane announced strides in education with the acquisition of land for a new school for the deaf and blind. “The land for the construction of the proposed school for the deaf and blind has been secured at Emalahleni Local Municipality. Once the school is completed, the 250 deaf learners currently studying at Bukhosibetfu Full Service School and the 200 in other special schools will be relocated to the new school.”
Addressing long-standing concerns, Tsipane said, “The people of Emalahleni have been complaining about traffic congestion close to the railway lines since time immemorial. To this effect, we are in the process of building a state-of-the-art interchange along the railway line from the city centre leading to Pine Ridge, Klarinet, Siyanqoba, and Verena. This interchange will improve safety and ease traffic flow in that area. The planning and design process have been completed. The construction of the interchange will commence in the 2024 – 25 financial year.”
“In the current municipal financial year, our municipalities have planned to deliver the following water and sanitation projects: the construction of Klarinet and Siyanqoba Phase 2 links and bulk water supply lines,” Tsipane said.
Additionally, she mentioned healthcare advancements, saying, “Linah Malatjie Tertiary Hospital with 400 new beds is in the design and planning phase, and the upgrading of Witbank Hospital Mental Unit is underway.”
Some of the things the premier promised eMalahleni residents last year:
“We will also build a bridge from Emalahleni City Centre leading to Pine Ridge,Klarinet, Siyanqoba, and Verena in order to improve safety and ease traffic flow in that area. Planning and design hereon will commence in the 2023–2024 financial year.”
“Through INEP, we have secured R110 million for the electrification of Siyanqoba in Emalahleni, which will commence in the 2023–2024 financial year.”
“The planning and design process for the Linah Malatjie Tertiary Hospital in eMalahleni has progressed, with authorization in terms of Environmental Impact Studies granted, town planning processes completed, preliminary and concept designs completed, and detailed design being on schedule with construction set to commence during the 2023/24 financial year.”
Offical water tests conducted in eMalahleni by an independent laboratoryhttps://t.co/hVz8bgKN9T#witbank #emalahleni #water #labtechnicians @WitbankN
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 3, 2024
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