Waterworks’ major upgrade

Mayors at work - KwaDukuza Mayor, Cllr Thulani Khuluse (front) and iLembe District Mayor, Cllr Sibusiso Mdabe dig the first trenches for KwaDukuza’s new water reticulation system

The entire water reticulation system in KwaDukuza’s CBD is being replaced as part of a R30-million project which will see 16km of new piping being installed over the next eight months. The new PVC system, with piping ranging in diameter from 50mm to 200mm, will provide KwaDukuza with a reliable supply of water. Phase 1 of the project, which started in January, will be completed in August. A total of 11 000 man day employment opportunities will be created. Phase 2, at an estimated cost of R70-million, will benefit Stanger Manor, Sundumbili and other areas. The Department of Water Affairs is contributing R1-million this financial year towards the cost of the R30-million project which is being primarily funded by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Turnaround strategy
The larger programme of repairing leaks and reducing water pressure forms part of a district turnaround strategy aimed at improving service delivery to the approximately 800 000 people. iLembe Municipal Manager, Mike Newton, said they had commissioned a five-year plan to reduce leaks across the district. ‘By 2015 our target is to reduce leakages from 49% to 25%, which is in line with the target set by the eThekwini Municipality.’ KwaDukuza is a very compact town with narrow roads and a fair amount of traffic congestion. Costs prohibited the use of trenchless technology in the installation of the new pipes, so open excavation is being used, providing many job opportunities for local people. Water is scarce and tankers are often used to bring supplies into the surrounding areas. The town has one water source and when there is a problem, it often takes many days to repair, resulting in water cuts. In December 2008 much of KwaDukuza was without water for four days. By reducing leaks through constant repairs and dropping pressure, impressive savings can be made. The public can assist in conserving water by reporting leaks and water bursts to the iLembe call centre on 032 4379379.