THERE was jubilation among residents of ward 2 when eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda revealed the contractor that will be undertaking the R39 million uMkhizwane Water Treatment Works (TWT) Expansion Project. He introduced the contractor to the community on 29 September. The expansion project will change the lives of the outer west community for the better, as once completed, it will address ongoing water challenges.
Mayor Kaunda said due to increasing water demand in areas supplied by the uMkhizwana TWT, the capacity of the works needed to be increased from 1.5ML/day to 4ML/ day. “Currently the water supplied is sufficient to cover the A1 to A6 reservoirs. This means that the A7 to A18 reservoirs are currently not getting piped water. The upgrading of the treatment plant to 4ML/day will ensure all existing reservoirs receives water supply. This will also eliminate water challenges in areas such as Upper Maphephetheni, Mqeku, Mgezanyoni and Mlahlanja who are currently supplied through water tankers,” said Mayor Kaunda.
He said the expansion project is scheduled to commence in the first week of October and will cost R39 million. He added that 30 percent of the contract value will be allocated to local suppliers as well as 15 job opportunities will be created.
