Spring water schemes supplying rural areas
Several projects completed, others under way
To improve access to clean drinking water in rural areas, the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) initiated a project to make use of natural springs, with 10 such schemes already completed across the district.
CHDM established a team of six members with diverse expertise in spring water identification, treatment, protection and supply.
The team was welcomed by CHDM mayor Lusanda Sizani at the district municipal offices in Komani last Thursday.
Spring water schemes have been constructed in Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM), and Dr AB Xuma, Emalahleni and Intsika Yethu municipalities.
Some schemes are under way, with some under planning.
In a report, CHDM states that most communities in its rural areas, particularly in the east, have for decades relied on spring water.
This involved laying pipes to storage tanks and taps to supply spring water to residents.
“Through this collaborative effort, the municipality aims to bring clean water closer to
district residents. All areas without water infrastructure will be prioritised, targeting those with springs,” the report states.
The report states that the department of rural development & agrarian reform (DRDAR) had partnered with CHDM to accelerate the collection and supply of spring water to communities.
Most of the spring water projects are funded by CHDM, while others are funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MiG), DRDAR and the Municipal Drought Recovery
Grant (MDRG). In EMLM, the three completed spring water schemes are: Zingquthu, funded by the MiG, Zweledinga, funded by DRDAR, and Gwatyu Toplayer, funded by the MDRG.
CHDM has completed schemes in Masonwabe, Chanabe and Mjanyane under the DR AB Xuma Municipality, and has commenced in Lucwecwe, while the Manzana scheme, funded by DRDAR, has also been completed.
In Emalahleni, two schemes were completed in Noluthanda, funded through the MiG, and in
Boqo, funded by CHDM. Schemes are also in progess in Machubeni and Mbolompeni in Emalahleni Municipality.
In Intsika Yethu, CHDM has completed a scheme in Nqumakala and is planning projects in Nkomfeni and Ntlakwelo.
Sizani said: “We are committed to ensuring access to clean drinking water in all areas. Through this team, we will be able to supply large parts of the district municipality with this natural resource using available springs in our area.”