Mayor welcomes fruitful water intervention
UMKHANYAKUDE District Mayor Siphile Mdaka has expressed gratitude for the intervention spearheaded by Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu, citing tangible improvements for Hlabisa residents.
The intervention includes financial support from Mchunu's department and aims to address urgent water supply issues in the area.
Emergency reservoirs and connections have been funded to alleviate immediate water shortages, while efforts to expedite the completion of the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme are under way.
Once finalised, the Mandlakazi scheme will ensure sustainable water provision across Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts.
Specifically, residents of Mkhuze and Hlabisa in uMkhanyakude District stand to benefit from the relief provided.
Recent developments indicate progress, with projects in Hlabisa reaching significant milestones.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said that as of 20 February, key reservoirs, including Reservoir 12 in Mthwandlana and Reservoir 22 in Miyaneni, are operational, supplying water to various communities in the region.
Technical teams from DWS are conducting pressure testing and assessing pipeline functionality to ensure efficient water distribution now that the reservoirs are at full capacity.
Mdaka emphasised the positive outcomes resulting from engagements with Minister
Mchunu, particularly meetings in December and January.
"The meetings with the honourable Minister Senzo Mchunu are bearing fruit, with early positive results for people of Hlabisa," said Mayor Mdaka.
These discussions led to the decision to transfer the project to the ministerial scheme due to its delayed progress and significant socio-economic implications for the affected districts.
During the meetings, gaps in the project's implementation were identified, prompting Mchunu to appoint uMngeni-uThukela Water as the project's implementing agent on 3 January.
The DWS reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing support and oversight to ensure the timely completion of the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme.