WATER and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu is pushing for the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme to be completed soon.
The water supply scheme is aimed at bringing relief to the people of Mandlakazi, between Kwa-Nongoma and Mkhuze towns in the Zululand District Municipality, as well as in Hlabisa under uMkhanyakude District Municipality, who are currently experiencing water supply challenges.
Mchunu’s office said in a statement on Wednesday, 28 February, that the minister decided to take over the scheme and put it under his department after the meeting with uMngeni-uThukela Water, Zululand and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities on 14 December 2023 proved that there were gaps and overall delays in the project.
“The decision to take over the project was as a result of the delayed nature of the project and its huge socio-economic impact, as it cuts across two districts,” said department spokeswoman, Wisane Mavasa.
In the following meeting on 3 January 2024, Mchunu announced the appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water as the Implementing Agent, responsible for certain aspects of the project.
ALSO READ: Moegoe drunk driver goes to school!
Mavasa said in addition, Zululand District Municipality has been appointed to implement Phases 5 and 6, which will benefit 279 297 people.
“Phase 5 includes the construction of the main pipeline that will transport water from Jozini Dam to Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works and several other pipeline projects within the entire Mandlakazi project footprint. Phase 6 concerns the construction of a network of water reticulation pipelines to provide water to the households of the entire Esiphambanweni community,” she said.
Mavasa said while waiting for the Mandlakazi Scheme to be completed, the department provided funding for emergency storage reservoirs and connections to supply water to the Hlabisa area.
She pointed out that from 20 February, the projects have been test commissioned, and Reservoir 12 Mthwadlana, which feeds all reservoirs to the east of Hlabisa in these villages, which are Matshamhlophe, Majukujukwini, Ophaphasi, Nhlwathi, Nqamu, Ngodini, Mcwabakazi, Makhowe and others, as well as Reservoir 22 Miyaneni, which is a command reservoir that feeds all reservoirs to the west of Hlabisa, namely, Mpembeni, Hlabisa Town, Mhlambanyathi, Mgangatho, Mansiya and other areas, will now be able to receive water.
