Innovation crucial to improve water supply

MHLATHUZE Water’s Chief Executive Officer, Mthokozisi Duze, says they are working hard to find more innovative ways of sourcing water to guarantee future supply.

He gave this assurance during a webinar on water rights and rural communities on Tuesday.

He was joined in the conversation by African National Congress representatives, KZN Secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli and Pongola Mayor Sibusiso Mhlongo, who tackled issues of water supply in rural areas.

Duze said the utility has partnered with research institutions to expand efforts of improving access to water for local communities.

‘We are partnering with institutions such as the University of Zululand to investigate alternative water sources, including dissemination and ‘air to water’ solutions because drilling boreholes is not always the most suitable solution.

‘Research shows that boreholes are not a permanent solution and the quality of water is not always suitable,’ Duze said.

He added that ensuring reliable supply to rural communities will require effective collaboration among water service providers.

‘We must maximise economies of scale and plan collectively for the entire population of KwaZulu-Natal from a spatial point of view to improve the lives of every community.’

The webinar follows the recent release of Mhlathuze Water’s financial report for the 2019/20 year.

The utility received a clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General for its financial management and compliance.

In his presentation on the audit findings, Duze reaffirmed the commitment to respond to water supply challenges in the region.

‘The utility is poised to play an increasingly important role in the rapid industrialisation of the Richards Bay node, one of the two Special Economic Zones in KwaZulu-Natal in so far as the provision of bulk water and wastewater as a catalyst for socio-economic development is concerned.’