The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala together with the Executive Mayor of Umkhanyakude District Municipality, Cllr Siphile Mdaka will engage with different water sector stakeholders on the development of water resource projects in the Mfolozi catchment area.
Besides Pongola and Mkuze Rivers in KwaZulu Natal Province, Mfolozi river catchment is one of the rivers that supply water to uMkhanyakude and Zululand District Municipalities. 75% of the allocated water from Mfolozi River is used for domestic, afforestation, and irrigation.
However, a growing population in the two districts has resulted in increased water demands for household consumption and from other sectors like forestry and agriculture.
The Department of Water and Sanitation, together with its sector partners, has developed a water resource reconciliation strategy for Mfolozi Catchment, which consist of surface water resource development projects, including raising of Klipfontien Dam, construction of Usuthu Dam and the development of a dam in lower Mfolozi.
Minister Mchunu will therefore engage with different stakeholders, including traditional leadership of Mtubatuba, for their inputs on the development and implementation of the water resource reconciliation strategy for Mfolozi Catchment.
Members of the media are invited to the Stakeholder Consultative Workshop in the Mfolozi River Catchment as follows:
Stakeholder Engagement Session with the Minister
Date: 06 February 2024
Venue: Kwa Mshaya, (pass Kwa Mshaya Primary School), Mtubatuba, KwaZulu Natal
Time: 10h00 – 3h00
* The media will be afforded an interview opportunity with Minister Mchunu, traditional leadership, and other government representatives after the proceedings.
For confirmations, please contact:
Sanku Tsunke
Cell: 066 299 2915
E-mail: tsunkes@dws.gov.za
For more information, contact:
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Kamogelo Mogotsi
Spokesperson for the Ministry
Cell: 076 523 0085
