King Cetshwayo district to fast-track water projects
Five water-related projects were launched last week in the Mthonjaneni, uMlalazi and Nkandla municipalities.
THE King Cetshwayo District Municipality has vowed to fast-track various water projects for the benefit of a number of rural communities.
Five water-related projects were launched last week in the Mthonjaneni, uMlalazi and Nkandla municipalities.
ALSO READ: Two injured in Mandeni substation explosion
These include a R1-million project for the extension of water reticulation which will benefit the Qwayinduku community in uMlalazi.
‘There is an existing water system which feeds from a local river, and most community members get water from existing stand pipes which are beyond the 200m radius.
‘This project is estimated to benefit about 40 households. It includes the installation of eight communal standpipes and a 10 kilolitre JoJo tank,’ said District Mayor Lindokuhle Phungula.
A sod-turning event was conducted, signalling the beginning of construction for a water extension at ward 12 in Obuka traditional area in Mthonjaneni.
‘A borehole scheme in Ompentsheni area was already in existence, however, the last standpipe was too far for some community members to access.
‘The extension will comprise five standpipes at a cost of R890 000, benefitting 25 households in the villages of Ompentsheni and a small portion of Ntombokazi,’ said Phungula.
Other projects in the district include the refurbishment of existing pipes, construction of a pump house, and installation of a booster pump and storage tank.
‘In the coming week, several more projects will be kick-started, to ensure the smooth implementation of the district’s service delivery plans,’ said Phungula.
Water provision strategy
Delivering the state of the district address recently, Phungula said they have pushed the lion’s share of the municipal budget towards water and sanitation projects.
‘We purchased 40 of our own water tanker trucks to save on the costs of outsourcing this function.
‘The savings will be redirected to infrastructure development and the operation of our existing infrastructure,’ he said.
He said the municipality is forging ahead with its multi-million rand water conservation strategy to improve water loss ratios.
‘The project will require community participation, in saving water and detecting leaks.
‘Linked to this is the non-revenue water implementation project where smart meters are being installed to improve revenue and assist with leak detection.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
