New bulk water scheme launched in KZN

Bothar via Wikimedia Commons

“Make sure that you use water more than once so that we can ensure that those that are not serviced do get services,” said Minister Mokonyane.

Minister Mokonyane made the call during the launch of the Bulk Water Supply Scheme under Ilembe District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The event was held on Tuesday, 22 March, at Nced’omhlophe Stadium.

The R1.32bn project includes the infrastructure required to abstract and treat water from the UThukela River to supply to secondary bulk and reticulation networks within the iLembe District Municipality.

These networks will ultimately supply both developed and unserved areas. On completion, the scheme will reach a total of 750,000 inhabitants. Local municipalities within iLembe District Municipality, who will benefit from the scheme include KwaDukuza and Mandeni.

Of the population to be served, 209,859 are indigent people.

Minister Mokonyane said the department is going to bring forward all plans to bring water from the scheme and show how best to accelerate the project working hand in hand with Umgeni Water.

“As we continue to bring this infrastructure into place, let us ensure that we do not do illegal connections, steal water or destroy infrastructure.”

She encouraged those who can afford to pay for water services to do so, while those who cannot pay to register accordingly.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who also oversaw the launch of the project, said the scheme will assist in relieving the impact of the current drought conditions.

“Now iLembe Local Municipality and eThekwini will find some relief. We are aware too that some in the community even lost jobs due to the closure of the sugar mill. We hope that this scheme will bring some relief,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.

Phase 1 of the project is about 95% complete. The last part of the contract is expected to be completed in September 2016.