Acceleration of Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme to ensure sustainable water provision in Zululand and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities yielding positive results
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation is accelerating the completion of the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme. The water supply scheme is aimed to bring relief to the people of Mandlakazi, between Kwa-Nongoma and Mkhuze (Mkuze) towns in Zululand District Municipality, as well as in Hlabisa under uMkhanyakude District Municipality, who are currently experiencing water supply challenges.
On the 14th of December 2023, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu convened a meeting between the Department, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Zululand and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities to check the status quo of the project progress; presentations were made by both District Municipalities, with visibly identifiable gaps and overall slow project progress. Following this, Minister Mchunu officially announced that the scheme would be taken over by the Department and transferred into a Ministerial Scheme. The decision to take over the project was as a result of the delayed nature of the project and its huge socio-economic impact, as it is cuts across two districts.
In a subsequent meeting on the 3rd of January 2024, Minister Mchunu announced the appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water as the Implementing Agent, responsible for certain aspects of the project. In addition, Zululand District Municipality has been appointed to implement Phases 5 & 6, which will benefit 279 297 people. Phase 5 includes the construction of the main pipeline that will abstract water from Jozini Dam to Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works, and several other pipeline projects within the entire Mandlakazi project footprint. Phase 6 concerns the construction of a network water reticulation pipelines to provide water to the households of the entire Esiphambanweni community.
While waiting for Mandlakazi Scheme to be completed, the Department provided funding for emergency storage Reservoirs and connection to supply water to the Hlabisa area. As of the 20th of February 2024, the projects have been test commissioned and Reservoir 12 Mthwadlana, which feeds all reservoirs to the east of Hlabisa in these villages i.e. Matshamhlophe, Majukujukwini, Ophaphasi, Nhlwathi, Nqamu, Ngodini, Mcwabakazi, Makhowe etc. as well as Res 22 Miyaneni, which is a command reservoir that feeds all reservoirs to the west of Hlabisa, namely, Mpembeni, Hlabisa Town, Mhlambanyathi, Mgangatho, Mansiya etc, will now be able to receive water. The technical teams are currently doing pressure testing and checking the functionality of some of the pipelines, since the reservoirs are now at full capacity.
The Ministry and the Department continue to provide support and oversight to the project to ensure that it meets its deadlines as outlined and that communities identified receive sustainable potable water upon its completion.
Enquiries:
Kamogelo Mogotsi
Cell: 076 523 0085
E-mail: mogotsik@dws.gov.za
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
