KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu has expressed his appreciation to the national government for the support since the beginning of this term of office.
“Somebody once said in the future, the wars won’t be fought on the availability of oil and mineral resources, but it will be fought on the availability of water.”
“It is for this reason that on, 9 December 2010, this province hosted the Water and Energy Summit which was attended by national ministers of water and energy affairs, members of provincial cabinet, mayors, CEOs of water utilities and parastatals, traditional leaders and representatives from the private sector.”
“This summit was hosted as a variation of what we normally call the Premier’s Coordinating Forum wherein the Premier and the members of Cabinet come together with the Mayors to discuss issues of governance throughout the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Honourable President, in line with the National Development Plan, we developed the Provincial Growth and Development Plan, a plan that seeks to ensure that KwaZulu-Natal becomes a leading economy in the country. Our focus on creating a leading economy will be constrained unless we can ensure water security and sustainable energy provision.”
“The success of our programme aimed at stimulating agriculture sector and ensuring food security is dependent on the provision of water and electricity. Importantly, the general delivery of better health for all of our people will be guaranteed if there is an adequate provision of water and electricity.”
“One of the critical resolutions of the Water Summit was the adoption of a an integrated approach in the planning and delivery of water and electricity to our people. The launch of this Spring Grove Dam today is a clear indication that each sphere of government whether it is national, provincial or local understands their mandate.”
“We have dissolved boundaries and we are all working according to one plan of the Department of Water Affairs, which will definitely speed up the provision of water in our province and ensure self-sustainable water security.”
“We have also ensured that on the energy side, we adopt one plan of the Department of Public Enterprises. In fact, Honourable President, representatives from Eskom are always invited to brief our Cabinet on issues around the provision of electricity in our province. The last briefings were during Cabinet Lekgotla and following an unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of six workers.”
“The most important thing is that we now have one common plan and we are able to understand our different roles and are clear about our levels of collaboration. Together we have looked at the available resources and we are maximising on our strengths.”
“I wish to reflect on the progress we have made thus far regarding provision of water and sanitation. In 2009 (March) 78.3 % of households in the Province had access to piped water within 200 metres of their dwelling (or higher level of service). In 2012, this had risen to 83.47%.”
“The backlog remaining is approximately 400 000 households. The Census 2011 dataset indicates 86 % access. This includes households with access to piped water in excess of 200 metres from the dwelling.”
“In 2009 (March) 76.18 % of households in the Province had access to sanitation (ventilated approved pit latrine or better). In 2012, this had risen to 80.36%. The backlog remaining is approximately 480 000 households. The Census 2011 dataset indicates 88 % access. The Spring Grove Dam will assist the provincial government in clearing the backlog.”
“Construction of the Spring Grove commenced in February 2011 after a sod turning ceremony attended by the national minister and the former premier. Construction of the dam is expected to be completed in early 2014. More than five million people are currently receiving water from the Umgeni Water Scheme. With the addition of the Spring Grove Dam, this number is expected to increase.
Communities that are expected to benefit from the Spring Grove Water Scheme are the following:
- Umgungundlovu District
- Umsunduzi Municipality
- Ethekwini municipality
- Ilembe Municipality
- Sisonke District Municipality
- Ugu District Municipality
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
