ADDRESSING a media briefing at the newly-constructed Shongweni water reservoir on August 25, eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, outlined developments in the city, including numerous water and sanitation projects.
eThekwini Municipality has approved 115 water and sanitation projects that will be completed in eight months with R200 million flood relief funding from National Treasury.
The mayor said that some of the extensive damage caused by the floods on the metro’s water and sanitation infrastructure had been repaired, particularly in the following areas:
- Repair of sewer main in Peace Palm in Phoenix. This sewer line contributed to the contamination of the Ohlange River which impacted the Umhlanga beaches.
- Mega City sewer line which contributed to the contamination of the Umlazi River and
- southern beaches.
Municipal funds to the value of R255 million are being reprioritised to fund the following projects:
- Procurement of jetting machines for R70 million to address sewer blockages throughout the City.
- Emergency replacement of mechanical and electrical equipment at Ohlange Wastewater Pump Station has been allocated R10 million. This intervention will prevent sewer leakages and the contamination of the Ohlange River.
- R10 million for borehole installation in rural and township communities where there is inadequate water network infrastructure.
- R50 million to alternative sanitation technologies. This project commenced in April this year and it is instrumental in eradicating pit latrines in rural communities and informal settlements.
- For the Southern Aqueduct, R50 million has been allocated towards the replacement of the bulk pipe that supplies water in areas in South Durban, including Umlazi, Chatsworth and Folweni.
- Installation of stationary and mobile generators for R20 million in water and sewer pump stations as a backup during loadshedding.
- R30 million for generators at sewer pump stations.
- R 15 million for Ogunjini package plant for water in Ward 59 and surrounding areas.
New reservoirs
The R28 million water reservoir at Shongweni will supply downstream reservoirs in Zwelibomvu, Ofundu, Salem and Clifton. Kaunda said, “The water reservoir forms part of our efforts to improve water infrastructure in the municipality, particularly in rural and township communities. For instance, we are currently finalising the construction of another new water reservoir in Adams Mission which will address water shortages in Mbumbulu, KwaMakhutha and Adams Mission. “
Other areas where the metro is upgrading and repairing our water infrastructure include Ntuzuma, Umlazi Folweni, Maphephetheni and Umzinyathi.
Kaunda said that another new reservoir was due to be handed over in Mona near oThongathi the following week.
