THE KwaZulu-Natal government has welcomed plans by announced by the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation and two of the Water Boards to decisively deal with the water challenges faced by the UMkhanyakude District in far north of the province.
Speaking at on the first day of the Mkhanyakude Investment Conference today, the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Mr. David Mahlobo said it was inconceivable that whilst the area had one of the largest dams in the country as well as existing bulk water infrastructure, the citizens of Mkhanyakude continued to suffer.
“We have taken a decision that the Jozini Dam cannot continue to be a single purpose dam, serving the interests of some to the vast exclusion of others. It must be a multi-purpose dam and in this regard Mhlathuze Water has already completed a 40-mega litre project which will reticulate water from the dam to the surrounding communities. This is an undertaking that requires about R2-billion.”
Mahlobo appealed to the Province of KwaZulu-Natal to top up its Municipal Infrastructure Grant so that Department’s efforts to quicken water delivery in the Mkhanyakude District could be augmented.
“We need to ensure that we reticulate bulk water to all communities, however our regional bulk infrastructure grant needs to be topped up if we are to effectively deliver water to all our communities,” the Deputy Minister said.
He added that there were plans to construct a new dam in Umfolozi to meet the anticipated future demand for water in the region.
Mhlathuze Water Chief Executive, Mthokozisi Duze, said his organisation had the capability and experience to alleviate in a matter of months the water challenges faced by Mkhanyakude.
“As Mhlathuze Water we have the bulk infrastructure in place. We successfully commissioned a 40mega litre per day water treatment plant. This project is aimed at servicing Mkhanyakude with portable water. We have also entered into an agreement with the Municipality to undertake the operation and maintenance of this scheme until such time that the Municipality is fully capacitate to take over the running of this scheme.”
Premier Sihle Zikalala welcomed the proposal by Deputy Minister Mahlobo.
“The imperative of ensuring an unhindered and reliable supply of water to Mkhanyakude is one that cannot be delayed any longer; firstly because the right to access to clean water is enshrined in our constitution but also because water is a catalyst for improved livelihoods, investment attraction and job creation. Therefore, as the province we will work with the Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation as well as Mhlathuze Water to expedite the provision of water,” the Premier said.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
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