Graves across Nelson Mandela Bay ruined by storm
“These are our families and this is causing new pain”
Water
Van Ryn’s announced as World’s Best Brandy
At the 2024 World Drinks Awards held in London, Van Ryn’s 15-Year-Old Potsill Brandy was awarded World’s Best Wine Brandy, for the second consecutive year, beating fierce competition from France, Spain, Australia and other South African prominent brandy producers within the 2024 World Brandy Awards category. This marks the 4th time within 5 years that …
These Durban families will have to wait until next year for a reliable water supply
City of eThekwini says the water crisis in parts of the city will only be fully resolved in 2025
Clearworld Suppliers In Partnership With Sanpellegrino And Acqua Panna Launch Groundbreaking Upliftment Scholarship Programme With Sommeliers Academy In South Africa
Clearworld Suppliers along with Sanpellegrino and Acqua Panna have collaborated with the Sommeliers Academy, to introduce the pioneering Upliftment Scholarship Programme in South Africa. This initiative aims to elevate the standard of service in South African restaurants and bar venues to an international level. Administered by the Sommeliers Academy, this dynamic Scholarship Programme is designed …
Pesticides are polluting Western Cape rivers all year round
Studies of three river catchments have found an association between pesticide exposure and poorer brain function in children
KZN government calls for helping hand for flood victims
KZN government calls for helping hand for flood victims
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has appealed to the public to extend a helping hand to flood victims by donating essential items such as building materials, as restoration work is underway in the northern parts of eThekwini Metropolitan.
The provincial government is currently on the ground providing relief and humanitarian services to hundreds of people of uThongathi, who lost most of their belongings during the storm that hit the area.
“The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government is currently coordinating humanitarian aid relief in uThongathi following the disastrous freak storms, which caused loss of life, damage to property, and left many members of the community without food, clothing and shelter.
“You are urged to help those in need by donating what you can, particularly building materials,” the provincial government said.
Donations can be delivered at the KZN Provincial Disaster Management Centre at 66 Shortts Retreat Road, Pietermaritzburg, 3212. The donations can also be delivered at the uThongathi Sports Centre in Gandhi’s Hill, uThongathi, 4399.
Power supply restored
The eThekwini Municipality reported that power supply has been restored to most areas where electricity infrastructure was severely damaged when the storm hit.
“Affected areas include Burbreeze, Sandfields, Greylands, eMagwaveni, Maidstone and La Mercy. Electricity teams have restored power supply to most of areas in Fairbreeze, Sandfields, Jan Roz and Burbreeze.
“Temporary arrangements are still in place for a continuous supply of electricity. Repair teams are working round the clock to ensure power restoration to Magwaveni area,” the municipality said.
Search for two missing people continues in Kariega
Meanwhile, the search for two missing people following the recent floods in Kariega in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is still underway.
The municipality’s Disaster Management Official, Thomas Cameron, said the metro’s Fire and Emergency Services and lifeguards had joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Coastal Water Rescue in the intensified search efforts.
"Currently, we have the SAPS [South African Police Service], who are still busy with the search operations. They are assisted now by other organisations, including our NMBM teams. Their team has now increased to make the search more efficient,” Cameron said.
While a total of 575 residents have been moved from halls and churches and accommodated at lodges and student accommodation facilities, Cameron said more residents were expected to be relocated to newly identified facilities from Sunday.
Cameron said joint operation centres are still running and meetings are being held daily.
“A few people in Gqeberha were displaced and moved to the accommodation centres. There are also two accommodation centres in Gqeberha and six accommodation centres in Kariega,” Cameron said.
Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said it will cost the provincial government an estimated R6 billion to repair damaged infrastructure.
Williams said government will find permanent accommodation for displaced communities by 31 July 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 10:46
19 views
“Each time we try to get comfortable, the police come to demolish our home”
Families living in Lindokuhle Mnguni informal settlement in Johannesburg say they’re being harassed by police and AmaPanyaza
Scramble for water in Kariega as municipality fails to keep its promise
Water tanker runs dry after 30 minutes
TT Waterproofing Explains the Common Causes of Wall Cracks and Offers Expert Repair Solutions
Pretoria, Gauteng – Wall cracks are more than just an eyesore; they signal underlying issues that could compromise the structural integrity of your home or business. TT Waterproofing, a leading expert in roofing and waterproofing with over nine years of industry experience, sheds light on the primary causes of wall cracks and how their professional …
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water has reminded customers to store enough water in preparation for the upcoming one-month planned maintenance to be undertaken by Rand Water.
This as Rand Water will be conducting extensive maintenance on its infrastructure from 22 June to 29 July 2024 to improve reliability and efficiency of water infrastructure.
The maintenance work will affect Johannesburg Water’s systems that are supplied by the Palmiet and Eikenhof pump stations, and the Daleside Booster Station.
The work will impact some of its customer’s systems, including Johannesburg Water and other municipalities and industries.
The systems to be impacted during the maintenance period include all Sandton and Midrand systems, the South Hills Tower, as well as the Alexandra Park, Randjieslaagte, and Linksfield reservoirs.
“This kind of preventative maintenance is imperative to make Rand Water’s systems more efficient and reliable for their customers, such as Johannesburg Water. During this time, Johannesburg Water customers will be impacted by low pressure to no water supply.
“Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply at strategic areas like hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations and shopping centres. However, residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance,” said Johannesburg Water.
During the maintenance period, pumping at Rand Water’s Palmiet Pumpstation – which feeds several of Johannesburg Water’s systems – will be reduced as follows:
- 1 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet will be pumping at 60% for eight hours.
- 15 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 68% for 50 hours.
- 29 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 76% for 40 hours.
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:06
25 views
Mining is destroying crucial Eswatini nature reserve
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation
Mop up operations continue across KZN
Mop up operations continue across KZN
Mop up operations continue across KwaZulu-Natal following heavy rains, which wreaked havoc in various parts of the province.
Last Monday’s heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc in various parts of the province, affecting the districts of eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.
At least 11 people lost their lives, including seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, respectively.
Over 55 people were also reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The storm also left extensive damage to schools and power lines, leaving many parts of eThekwini without electricity.
The eThekwini Metro was hardest hit, with dozens of people treated for injuries in health care facilities.
The eThekwini Municipality said relief intervention in the form of food, blankets, mattresses and building material is underway to assist displaced residents in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
“eThekwini teams and volunteers are working together to clear debris in preparation for rebuilding. Water standpipes and water tankers have been provided to ensure an interim water supply. The restoration of electricity is also in progress,” the municipality said.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has also deployed community works participants playing a crucial role in helping affected families.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza and eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has also conducted an assessment on the restoration of basic services in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
Khoza said social workers have been deployed to provide relief and support, including assistance with important documents and school uniforms for affected learners.
“Partnerships with organisations like the Hollywood Foundation and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) ensured immediate aid, including meals and shelter in community halls.
“The government pledged to construct proper homes for victims and increase disaster relief coordination efforts. Despite ongoing relief efforts, more aid is needed for affected areas like uThongathi, Osizweni, and Eshowe,” Khoza said.
Other interventions include assessment of the families who have lost loved ones and construction of temporary residential units (TRUs) for displaced families. Debris and fallen trees on the roads has been cleared; and electricity supply has been restored to certain areas.
A command centre has also been established on site to assist community members, and Social Relief of Distress grants are being disbursed by SASSA and the Department of Social Development.
Relief, in the form of building material, food, blankets and mattresses is being provided to residents of uMgababa, Ward 98, who were also affected by the heavy rains and strong winds.
eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Zandile Myeni, and Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, recently visited the area to assess the extent of the damage.
About 30 families from the area lost their homes to the storm. While injuries were reported, no deaths have been recorded in the area.
Myeni said eThekwini Municipality, including provincial government, non-profit and non-governmental organisations are working together to provide relief to the affected families, and work to restore services is also underway.
Jozini Municipality responds to tornado disaster
Meanwhile, Jozini Local Municipality Mayor, Mfananaye Mathe, visited the KwaJobe area in northern KwaZulu-Natal to address the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the area leaving more than 59 families displaced.
The Gumede family, where nine children aged between four and 10, along with their grandmother, saw their RDP house collapse while they were inside.
Two of the children are hospitalised, with one admitted at Obonjeni Hospital and the other at Ngwelezane Hospital in Mpangeni.
Mathe has provided essential supplies, including groceries, blankets, and sleeping sponges to support the affected families.
The Jozini Local Municipality Disaster Management Team has also supplied temporary tents to all those impacted by the tornado.
While acknowledging the challenges in providing immediate assistance to everyone, Mathe emphasised the municipality's commitment to swiftly intervening where possible.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Community Services for its ongoing support during this crisis. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 10:26
109 views
Licensing Rounds Open New Block Opportunities in Africa Ahead of AEW 2024
With a strong slate of exploration and production activities and competitive licensing rounds in 2024, Africa is well-positioned to realize its potential as the global energy frontier. These bid rounds are poised to cement Africa as a global hub for hydrocarbon development.
Licensing rounds from Africa's leading upstream players will be on display at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town. Investors will be able to access exclusive information and technical presentations from the relevant petroleum ministries and regulators on both current and planned licensing rounds as the continent seeks to attract a broader range of companies to sign new contracts and drive exploratory drilling.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Oil and Gas Revival in North Africa
As part of the country's plan to boost oil production to two million barrels per day within the next three to five years, Libya's parastatal National Oil Corporation has announced plans for an oil and gas licensing round in 2024 or early 2025. The licensing round will focus on fields in the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins and presents a vital opportunity for Libya to attract new upstream investments.
Meanwhile, Algeria is expected to launch a licensing round offering between 10 and 12 onshore blocks in late 2024. The bid round forms part of the country's strategy to maximize its gas and LNG potential. Additionally, in September 2023, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and the South Valley Petroleum Holding Company launched a new licensing round aimed at boosting the country's energy reserves and production capacity. The licensing round offers 23 on- and offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration in the Western Desert, Eastern Desert, Gulf of Suez and Red Sea.
Driving Production in Africa's Promising Frontiers
With energy supermajors bp, TotalEnergies and Shell as well as upstream independent Kosmos Energy spearheading exploration activities in Mauritania, the country's upcoming licensing round for 15 offshore blocks in 2024 is poised to mark a significant milestone in its energy sector. Mauritania's coastal basin features extensive 2D and 3D seismic data coverage covering over 100,000km and 100,000km2, respectively.
Additionally, with its latest licensing round having featured 56 offshore blocks and concluding last September, another bid round is on the horizon for Sierra Leone in 2024. Despite its position as a frontier exploration market, Sierra Leone boasts a significant petroleum system that includes the Venus-B1, Mercury-1, Jupiter-1 and Savannah-1X discoveries. The country's licensing round is supported by extensive 2D and 3D multi-client data, competitive and transparent fiscal terms and cooperation agreements in place with other African markets.
Set to spur new exploration and drilling activities in the prospective acreages of its deepwater basins, Nigeria's Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission relaunched its latest licensing round during the Invest in African Energy summit in May. The round features 12 deep offshore and shallow water oil blocks and is available for bidding through January 2025.
Propelling Southern and Eastern Africa's Energy Security
Last September, Angola's national concessionaire the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency launched a public tender for 12 onshore blocks in the Kwanza and Congo Basins. Receiving 53 bids, the tender includes four blocks in Angola's Congo Basin and eight in the Kwanza Basin.
Expected for 2024 or 2025, the South African government will put up at least 10 new onshore blocks for shale gas development in the country's Karoo region to reduce imports and alleviate an ailing energy grid. The licensing round will serve as the country's first competitive auction for oil and gas resources. According to the state-owned Petroleum Agency of South Africa, the Karoo basin is estimated to hold up to 209 trillion cubic feet of recoverable shale gas and includes 90,000km2 of acreage previously held by Shell.
Tanzania has proposed auctioning up to 26 oil and gas blocks by June 2024 and will award licenses to the winners by December of the same year. The round will serve as Tanzania's fifth bid round and is designed to revive interest in the country's largely underdeveloped oil and gas sector. Of the 26 demarcated blocks open for bidding, 11 will be situated in the country's offshore while 15 will be onshore. The Tanzanian government is currently in talks with a multi-client data contractor to compile extensive 2D and 3D seismic data within the basins.
Meanwhile, having introduced a new Hydrocarbons Code in 2019, Gabon has emerged as a preferred destination for energy investors and majors due to investor-friendly reforms. Gabon's heightened interest is attributable to the deregulation of its hydrocarbons sector, which is a core aim of its recently enacted reforms.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, industry experts will unpack block opportunities across Africa's mature and emerging oil and gas markets. Through dedicated country spotlight sessions, panel discussions and investor briefings, the event promotes deal-signing and project development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
These Inanda families have to walk to a primary school to use the toilet
Victims of 2022 floods are still living in a “transit camp”
New Catchment Management Agencies to ensure good water governance
New Catchment Management Agencies to ensure good water governance
In an effort to ensure the involvement of stakeholders in the management of water resources, the Department of Water and Sanitation is expected to launch four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
They will be launched during the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) conference set to take place in Durban this week.
The establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
The department said the CMAs will ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources, in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.
“A CMA manages all the water resources in a water management area at the catchment level. This means that a CMA is responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of all the water resources in that particular water management area (WMA).
“This responsibility requires that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area participate with CMAs as partners,” the department said in a statement.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo–Umzimkhulu and the Vaal-Orange Catchment Management Agencies, a decision concurred by Cabinet.
The Boards of Pongola-Umzimkhulu and Vaal-Orange CMAs appointments became effective from 1 December 2023.
The department has reconfigured the number of CMAs to six, including Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma, Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu.
The boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs including developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision-making around water resources management and create a customer-focused culture for water resources management,” the department explained.
The appointed board members for Pongolo–uMzimkhulu include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.
This CMA is an amalgamation of the previous WMA areas within the KwaZulu-Natal province, such as half of the Pongola-Usuthu WMA, the Thukela WMA, and the Mvoti-Mzimkulu WMA. Interim Chief Executive, Swaswa Ntlhoro, was appointed for the transitional phase.
The appointed board members for the Vaal-Orange CMA, which operates in the Central North-eastern part of South Africa and extends from Ermelo in Mpumalanga to Kuruman in the Northern Cape, include Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom. Interim Chief Executive, Solomon Mathebula, was appointed for the transitional phase.
“The Minister has finalised the appointment of Board members of Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma and awaiting concurrence by Cabinet. Interim Chief Executive, Sibusiso Mjwara, was appointed for the transitional phase. This agency’s footprint covers the majority of the Eastern Cape, and includes portions of KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and the Northern Cape.
“For the Limpopo-Olifants CMA, the Advisory Committee has concluded their recommendation for the appointment of the Board and is awaiting the vetting of candidates and concurrence by Cabinet,” the department said.
Water Institute of Southern Africa conference
Meanwhile, the three-day Water Institute of Southern Africa conference will take place at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, from 12-14 June 2024.
WISA conferences provide a platform to discuss problems and solutions facing the water and related sectors. The conference is used to create mechanisms and collaborations, to ensure an enabling environment to set us on a path of implementation and impact. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:57
251 views
City of Tshwane, Water and Sanitation sign agreement to address water issues
City of Tshwane, Water and Sanitation sign agreement to address water issues
The City of Tshwane has set the wheels in motion towards formalising partnerships that will contribute towards addressing the city’s water and sanitation related challenges.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is among the strategic partners which the city has approached not only to be involved as a regulator, but to also collaborate on various issues and leveraging the department’s technical and financial resources to jointly address the metropolitan municipality’s other challenges, including the Hennops River pollution, Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and inadequate human resources.
The City of Tshwane and the department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various strategic areas including infrastructure planning and development, water resource planning and infrastructure solutions, and capacity building for the municipal officials.
The agreement was signed on Monday by Tshwane City Manager, Johann Mettler and Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services, Dr Risimati Mathye, at the city’s headquarters in Tshwane House.
The parties said discussions are at an advanced stage to finalise a flagship engineering candidacy development programme, which will see the secondment of candidate engineers to the City of Tshwane, as well as professional engineers who will be contracted to the city for a three-year period.
A team of engineers has undergone training under the department.
In addition, the Department of Water and Sanitation will offer free mentorship through its database of mentors to the candidate engineers to assist them to obtain their professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Once implemented successfully, the programme will assist the city in complying with the new ECSA Identification of Engineering Work Regulations.
Mathye said collaboration between the two entities is significant, particularly on the Water and Sanitation side, to fulfil its role as a regulator of the water and sanitation sector.
“Addressing our major water challenges requires a collaborative effort between the city and key water stakeholders and the DWS is one of those key players.
“We have been facing significant water challenges which have been affecting some of our residents for a longer period [and] some of these challenges can be linked to ageing infrastructure and maintenance challenges at some of our Water Treatment Plants.
“We are pleased by the will and zeal that has been shown by the city in ensuring collaborative efforts and allow us to work together in different spheres of government to ensure efficient services to the residents of Tshwane. It has always been our intention to work with local government across to capacitate them where we can, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, to realise clean water and decent sanitation provision to communities,” Mathye said.
Other key areas of collaboration that the MoU will focus on include:
• Water resource planning and infrastructure solutions in line with the city’s Climate Action Plan.
• Infrastructure planning and development.
• Collaboration on water and sanitation-related programmes.
• Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
• Training and capacity building including secondment of staff between the parties.
• Education and awareness campaigns.
• Knowledge-sharing.
• Benchmarking of programmes like Green Drop, Blue Drop, No Drop.
• Joint enforcement programmes for water pollution prevention.
• Exploration of alternative water and sanitation technologies with DWS and its entities.
• Key bulk infrastructure in line with the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework and Regionalised Spatial Development Framework.
• Any other additional area that the parties may agree to collaborate on in future.
The signed MoU reinforces the ideal of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, Act No. 13 of 2005 which implores a concerted effort by government in all spheres to work together and to integrate as far as possible their actions in the provision of services, the alleviation of poverty and the development of society. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 12:41
185 views
Is Ostrich Leather Waterproof?
Introduction Ostrich leather is renowned for its unique texture, durability, and luxurious appeal. Often seen in high-end fashion accessories like wallets, handbags, and belts, this leather is favoured for its softness and distinctive quill pattern. However, a common question that arises is whether ostrich leather is waterproof. Understanding the water resistance of this exotic leather …
KZN learners to represent SA at Stockholm Junior Water Prize
KZN learners to represent SA at Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Sanelisiwe and Sandisiwe Nhlozi from Buhlebemfundo Secondary School in Durban will represent South Africa in Stockholm, Sweden, at the Annual Stockholm Junior Water Prize in August.
The 15-year-old twins emerged victorious at the 2024 National South African Youth Water Prize Competition (SAYWP) held at the Xylem Water Solutions Offices in Kempton Park, Gauteng on Friday.
The South African Youth Water Prize competition is a vital component of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Education programme, which aims to educate learners and society on water resource management issues including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, and protection of water resources among others.
The competition, organised in partnership with Xylem Water Solutions, Water Technology, the Water Research Commission, and other key stakeholders in the water sector, aimed to identify a project that would best represent South Africa at the 2024 Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden.
The final competition follows a culmination of months of hard work and dedication from young water and sanitation enthusiasts’ countrywide.
The two learners were announced as the winners of the competition following their impressive presentation on their innovation awareness project “Drop-Drop”, earning them an opportunity to showcase their project on a global platform and compete against other talented learners from around the world.
The duo also walked away with prizes including R15 000 each, tickets to Sweden, laptops, a first-place trophy, R10 000 allowance and bursaries to further their education at the university of their choice.
Sanelisiwe and Sandisiwe expressed their gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to represent South Africa on the global stage.
“We feel super excited, we are so emotional right now. We are so grateful to the teachers, mentors, and everybody who supported us to this far and our family," the duo said.
They also pledged to elevate South Africa to new heights and secure the top spot on the global stage of the competition with their awareness approach.
Following closely behind was Kimberly Technical School, whose impactful awareness project secured them second place. The school received prize of R14 000, bursary, laptops, and a second-place trophy.
Middleburg Muslim Secondary School in Mpumalanga also made a strong showing, earning third place for their outstanding awareness project plus R12 500, a laptop, and a bursary.
The learners from all nine provinces who participated in the national finals were also rewarded with bursaries and laptops to support their academic pursuits.
Pumla Ncumshe from the Department of Water and Sanitation said the event served as a testament to the bright future of the youth in South Africa and their commitment to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
“As we look towards the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in August, we cannot help but feel inspired by the dedication and creativity displayed by these young individuals. Their projects serve as a reminder of the importance of water conservation and the role that young people can play in shaping a sustainable future for all.
“Congratulations to all the participants, and best of luck to Sanelisiwe and Sandisiwe as they represent South Africa on the international stage. Also, congratulations to the winners of the 2024 national finals, as well as all the participating schools, regional coordinators, media houses, and stakeholders who contributed to the success of the program,” Ncumshe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 11:10
475 views
People in Kariega queue for hours to collect water after devastating storm
Gift of the Givers has been delivering hundreds of litres of water daily and set up 12 soup kitchens in the township of KwaNobuhle.
Rehabilitation of Lower Sundays Canal delayed after recent floods
Rehabilitation of Lower Sundays Canal delayed after recent floods
The Department of Water and Sanitation has announced the postponement of the emergency rehabilitation of parts of the Lower Sundays River Canal, which was planned to start from Monday, 10 June to 15 August 2024.
The department said the postponement of the project is due to the recent heavy rainfall that resulted in flooding in various areas of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), which may have compromised infrastructure, including water supply systems.
“This is to afford the municipality time to complete its disaster assessment and response, as well as the resumption of the state of readiness for the project,” the department said in a statement.
The Lower Sundays River Canal forms part of the Lower Sunday’s Government Water Scheme (LSGWS).
The LSGWS canal system supplies two main users with bulk water, including agricultural users, the Sundays River citrus producing area, and domestic users, Kirkwood, Uitenhage, Enon, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro amongst others.
The LSGWS forms part of the greater Orange-Fish-Sundays Inter Basin Transfer Scheme and it transfers 740 million kilolitres of water annually from the Gariep Dam to the Eastern Cape through the 80 km Orange-Fish Tunnel.
The repair of the canal is a result of a May 2017 incident, where a section of the canal embarkment slipped, about 4.4km south of Enon.
The department then had to construct a temporary embarkment using a plastic membrane to ensure the continuous supply of water to users. However, a secondary embankment failure has occurred, with 200m downstream of the initial embankment and canal failure.
The work on the canal includes demolishing the existing canal at the upstream and downstream tie-in sections, surface preparations, and the placement of a High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner over the upstream and downstream tie-ins.
The department emphasised that during the tie-ins construction, the canal will not be completely shut down, but there will be intervals at which, upon completion of certain segments that are being repaired, water will be allowed to flow through to the dams for end users.
“During this period, on average, the canal will be closed for seven to ten days for construction and be opened for seven days for the flow of water to fill up dams for the areas to be impacted by the temporary shutdowns. The major domestic users to be impacted by the canal supply interruptions will be the towns of Addo, Paterson and the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
“However, measures are being put in place to ensure less interruptions to these areas. Kirkwood, which is located upstream of the shutdown point will continue to be supplied from the main canal. Addo and Paterson which are supplied from the Caesar’s Balancing Dam, downstream, which will be filled prior to canal shutdown, and continuously recharged during the seven days open flows,” the department said.
The department also noted that balancing dams are designed to act as multipurpose reservoirs and are commonly used to serve as distribution points from where water is diverted into pipelines, canals, or to serve as pumping stations or store water for short period and immediate usage.
It said the seven days closure and opening interval of the canal was determined based on the storage capacity of these dams.
Considering the developments, the department said it will continue with its consultations on the new start date of the canal tie-in to bring all stakeholders on board to enable them to plan for this period and inform their customers.
“The department continues to hold meetings with these stakeholders to discuss action plans to mitigate any possible challenges and bottlenecks when the planned dry period gets implemented. It is important to note that the emergency rehabilitation to be carried out is critical for the reliability and sustainability of supply to the users. If the damaged canal remains not repaired, the scheme stands a total collapse,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 10:15
162 views
After five years only 26 state houses built in Inanda
Families relocated to make way for housing project have been living in a poorly serviced transit camp
Appliance Repairs Centre Offers Expert Solutions for Washing Machine Spin Cycle Issues
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More service stations set up to provide humanitarian aid
More service stations set up to provide humanitarian aid
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is at the centre of coordinating relief and humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of a devastating storm that ripped through parts of the province on Monday.
The uThongathi area in eThekwini was the hardest hit, with other district municipalities, including Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Amajuba, Umzinyathi and Umkhanyakude, being affected by the storm.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, 12 people across the province died following the storm and strong winds.
Initial assessments show that over 7 000 households have been damaged, affecting over 17 000 people. Eighteen schools have been damaged.
The provincial government said over 1200 homeless families were currently receiving humanitarian aid from government across the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube Nncube, said disaster teams were continuing with assessments to establish the total cost of the damages.
A central management centre has been set up in the eMagwaveni area in uThongathi, where all relief and support efforts are being coordinated, and more services to the areas affected by storms have been added.
“Every government department is on the ground to speed up recovery efforts, providing humanitarian relief and improve safety and security as mop-up operations continue. Government has also coordinated all the support from non-government organisations and private donors to ensure it reaches all those that are affected and avoid duplication.
“To support the South African Police Services and Metro Police to ensure maximum security, government has deployed safety volunteers from the Department of Community Safety and Liaison and the eThekwini Municipality.
“Power generators have been set up in strategic locations around the uThongathi area to ensure adequate lighting and visibility and power has been restored in some parts of uThongathi,” Dube-Ncube said.
Considering the scale of damages and amount of work required it is anticipated that power supply will progressively be fully restored in the coming days.
The provincial government has commended the progress made by Eskom in restoring power to affected communities across the province.
However, it appealed to the public to be patient as damaged infrastructure has led to challenges in accessing certain areas, hampering repair efforts.
“While water supply was not affected, eThekwini Municipality has provided water tankers to ensure everyone has access to water, and standpipe systems have been installed in areas where taps were damaged.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has increased the number of Community Development Workers and Expanded Public Works Programme workers to assist in clearing debris and cleaning the streets to make areas accessible.
“The Department of Social Development has made social workers available to provide counselling, and the South African Social Security Agency is assisting families to replace lost social grant cards.
“The Department of Home Affairs is also assisting community members who lost their identity documents, while government is provides three meals a day to the community members at the various centres that have been set up in the area,” said the provincial government.
The Premier assured residents that government was working hard to find permanent solutions to assist victims, particularly in uThongathi.
“We have engaged with eThekwini Municipality to review existing plans related to human settlements.
“Working together with the city and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements, we are seeking the quickest solutions to provide shelter for those affected.
“We appreciate the continuous support from non-government organisations that have extended a helping hand to our people. We are working closely with all grieving families to ensure they mourn with dignity and bury their loved ones in a dignified manner,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/06/2024 - 15:02
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Restoration of basic services in uThongathi a priority, says eThekwini Mayor
Restoration of basic services in uThongathi a priority, says eThekwini Mayor
eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has commended the work done and still underway to restore basic services in uThongathi following heavy rains, which caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure in the metro areas.
Kaunda conducted an assessment on the restoration of basic services in the eMagwaveni area in uThongathi on Wednesday, following recent heavy rains accompanied by strong wind and hailstorms.
Seven lives were lost and there was extensive damage to households and infrastructure in eThekwini metro.
Kaunda emphasised that the current priority was clearing of debris and fallen trees on roads so that municipal teams can access the area.
"We are pleased that this work has been done and work is underway to restore electricity. Government departments and non-government organisations that are providing temporary relief are now able to access the area.
“Working with the Department of Human Settlements, we are accelerating the process of rebuilding houses of the bereaved families so that they can commence with funeral arrangements in proper structures," Kaunda said.
Three temporary shelters have been established to accommodate displaced families, and assessments are ongoing to determine the extent of the damage to infrastructure.
Kaunda noted that the heavy rainfall came at a time when the municipality was preparing to commence with a housing project in the area at the end of June.
He said that instead of building temporary houses for the affected households, the municipality will accelerate the process of building permanent houses as part of the housing project that was planned for eMagwaveni.
Kaunda assured residents that water supply in the area was not severely affected and that there the community continues to receive clean drinking water from the taps.
uThongathi is currently the most affected area, with hundreds of houses severely destroyed. Other areas that have also been severely affected include Umgababa, south of the eThekwini Metro, Eshowe, Utrecht, Osizweni and KwaHlabisa.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is currently coordinating various sector departments to provide humanitarian relief and other interventions to assist the affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 06/06/2024 - 10:23
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