Rural water schemes undergo refurbishing
The district's focus is on supplying all citizens with quality running water
DETECTING leaks and flushing out illegal connections are top priorities for uMkhanyakude District Municipality (UKDM) as it seeks to rehabilitate old water schemes and provide all citizens with quality running water.
As the condition of water infrastructure is crucial to ensure service provision to all communities, newly-appointed UKDM Municipal Manager (MM), Sibusiso Bukhosini, and his technical team recently visited water schemes around the district.
The tour focused on the delivery of water and related services to the people, and the maintenance of the district’s water schemes.
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Ageing, non-functioning water pumps, water leaks from illegal connections and damage during earthworks were some of the challenges experienced by the MM.
Bukhosini took the decision to immediately rehabilitate Ingwavuma’s water scheme.
UKDM’s focus is on developing a three-year Water Service Development Plan, as well as dealing with water quality issues and supply challenges.
The UKDM council has already completed the development of its five-year Water Service Master Plan.
‘I must state that the most important indicator of the performance of water treatment plants is the quality of water entering the water reticulation system, the standard for which is laid down in SABS 241-2001 Drinking water,’ said UKDM Spokesperson, Mdu Dlamini.
‘The most common immediate cause of water quality not meeting required standards is a breakdown of plant and/or the length of time taken to satisfactorily repair the plant and for it to resume working.
‘The most common causes of plant breakdown typically include inappropriate plant, faulty operating procedures and lack of routine maintenance.’
Dlamini said UKDM is prioritising these issues.
Focusing on rehabilitating most water schemes and package plant in the district, UKDM is buying new water pumps and working with Joat and WSSA to ensure the citizens receive water.
After a spate of management issues at UKDM, Dlamini said stability is returning after the appointment of Bukhosini as MM.
‘We are also in the process of employing other Heads of Department, including Chief Financial Officer and Technical HOD.’
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