The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA Nomusa Dube-Ncube has welcomed an investment of R1.6-billion by the national Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation for water infrastructure in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality. This largely rural district, situated in the northern part of KZN and comprising of four Local Municipalities - Hlabisa, Jozini, Mtubatuba and uMhlabuyalingana, has long struggled to supply water to all its communities due to the lack of infrastructure to carry water.
“Access to water in this district has been a major challenge that we as government have been working hard to address. The injection of these funds is a welcome relief as it will go a long way in addressing the water backlog in this district. This district has great potential to grow its economy, being on our border with Swaziland and it has world renowned game reserves and the world heritage site Isimangaliso Wetlands. Improved access to water will ensure that investors wanting to take advantage of the thriving tourism industry no longer have to worry about the district's capacity to provide water consistently. This certainty will result in increased investment and expanding job opportunities,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.
This investment is in line with the National Development Plan and the Provincial Growth and Development Plan, both of which call for the acceleration of public investments in bulk water infrastructure.
“We also commend the hard work being done by the leadership of this district who have ensured that uMkhanyakude gets more funding to address its water infrastructure backlogs. The urgency that has been shown by the leadership of this district in seeking out this investment opportunity is exemplary,” said Dube-Ncube
The funding is broken down into the following:
1. R643 million will has been granted over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) of 3 years
2. R682 million has been granted, from the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant
3. R9 million National Transfers Programme
4. R266 Million has been granted from the Municipal Water Infrastructure Grant (MWID)
The upgrades of the water infrastructure are expected to start in July this year under the expertise of the uMhlathuze Water Board.
For more information contact:
Mr Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
Senzo Mzila
Cell: 082 302 3472
