Celebrating 16 years of local government
More than 50 000 households in uMkhanyakude's north will benefit from the Jozini-Ingwavuma water scheme
IN a bid to showcase its achievements and instill hope among those still awaiting local government services, the uMkhanyakude District Municipality on Monday held an event to celebrate 16 years of local government.
KZN MEC for Social Development, Weziwe Thusi, accompanied by uMkhanyakude Mayor Jeff Vilane, uMhlabuyalingana Mayor Solomon Mkhombo, Jozini Mayor Bethuel Mthethwa and Mtubatuba Mayor Israel Nyawo, visited various projects in Jozini, including the Jozini-Ingwavuma water scheme.
The scheme was started in 2011 and will supply 40 million litres per day. This is set to address the chronic water shortages in and around Jozini, uMhlabuyalingana, Ingwavuma, Hluhluwe and Mbazwana.
More than 50 000 households are set to benefit from the water scheme. This in the area that has been plagued by water shortage riots in recent weeks.
In his speech to the 3 000-strong audience, Mthethwa reminded community members that the municipality has since 2011 built halls and houses and created jobs through the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The uMkhanyakude mayor then spoke of the water projects initiated by the district, including the Jozini-Ingwavuma, Shemula and Hlabisa-Mandlakazi water projects.
Those in the audience raised concerns over water shortages and Nyawo said while water infrastructure, including reservoir construction and laying of water pipes, has been done, the district has requested the government to fast-track water provision to all citizens.
Thusi said that as the government strives to supply water, electricity and jobs to all, backlogs mean there are challenges along the way.
