A water master plan for all
WITH water remaining a key priority of the Sixth Administration in KwaZulu-Natal, investment in water infrastructure and diversification of water resources is becoming an increasingly important factor in building the economy and restoring the dignity of the people in the province.
In delivering his State of the Province address recently, Premier Sihle Zikalala revealed the comprehensive Provincial Water Master Plan to establish the state of water provision in all municipal wards and to outline future interventions as well as immediate ones. The implementation of the plan has already commenced.
To this end, Zikalala reported the province has stepped up its emergency water provision by way of boreholes and static tanks in targeted municipalities as a short-term intervention. “We were privileged to join the Minister of Water and Sanitation in November 2020 in handing over the uMshwathi Bulk Water Scheme which cost no less than R500 million,” he added.
As part of the province’s long-term response, major projects have been planned by government to meet the water needs for KwaZulu-Natal. This includes the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (BWSS)
Umgeni Water that is estimated to be completed in 2023 at an estimated total cost of R3 billion.
The Cwabeni Project Location which will be completed in 2022 at an estimated total cost of R1 billion.
The Stephen Dlamini Dam is expected to be completed in 2023 at an estimated project cost of R1 billion and the uMkhomazi Water Project, which once completed, will be the largest water transfer scheme in South Africa, at an estimated total cost of R23 billion.
At the same time, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is working with District Councils in ensuring that bulk water schemes are prioritised, Zikalala said.
He expressed his deep concern about the persistent water interruptions, which cause major disruptions to people’s lives and business operations throughout KwaZulu-Natal. In many instances, this is caused by dysfunctional infrastructure, he said. “We are accordingly directing the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Provincial Treasury to enforce the policy provision that at least 8% of the municipal budgets should be spent on maintenance,” Zikalala announced.