How Thabo Bester murdered Nomfundo Tyhulu
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Tjhoko Paint: Transforming Surfaces with Ease and Care
In the realm of home improvement and DIY projects, finding a paint that effortlessly transforms surfaces while also being kind to the environment is like discovering a hidden gem. Tjhoko Paint is that gem, contact us. Offering a range of benefits that make it a favourite among DIY enthusiasts and eco-conscious individuals alike. Let’s dive …
Public Works to host EPWP Indaba
Public Works to host EPWP Indaba
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala and his deputy Bernice Swarts will on Tuesday host the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Indaba in Pretoria.
The two-day indaba will be an interactive session aimed at the 'reconceptualisation' and 'redesigning' of the ‘EPWP of the Future’.
The indaba will also reflect on the EPWP Phase 4 and plan ahead for Phase 5 of the programme.
“The EPWP Indaba will bring together a host of stakeholders from all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to brainstorm on the formulation of the EPWP Phase 5 business plan, which will be presented to Cabinet before the end of the year,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
Last year, the DPWI developed the EPWP Policy, which was approved by Cabinet on 31 August 2022 for public consultation.
The EPWP is one of the government’s strategies to alleviate poverty through the creation of work opportunities using labour-intensive methods.
It is implemented in four sectors namely: infrastructure, social, environment and culture, and non-State.
All spheres of government and State-owned entities are expected to implement the programme.
EPWP participants (beneficiaries) work on different projects such as the Community Work Programme (CWP), Early Childhood Development, Home Community Based Care, Extra School Support, Working on Fire, Working for Water and roads maintenance projects, among others.
The development and gazetting of the EPWP policy follows years of extensive engagements by DPWI and various stakeholders who are participating in the implementation of the EPWP.
The purpose of the EPWP Policy is to refocus the Public Employment Programme agenda of government, with policy positions and programmes of action that are clearly defined, implementable and enforceable. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 09:56
559 views
Khayelitsha animal clinic celebrates birthday with lively dog exhibit
Non-profit Mdzananda Animal Clinic turned 27 this weekend
Last chance to enter the Boxer Super Rush
The streets of Durban will be filled with excitement this coming Sunday, 15 October 2023, as runners and walkers of all ages and fitness backgrounds, from elite athletes to social participants, come together to celebrate the debut of the much-anticipated Boxer Super Run. “The Boxer Super Run welcomes participants of all backgrounds, whether they’re elite …
Borehole drilling underway in eThekwini
Borehole drilling underway in eThekwini
As part of interventions to resolve water challenges, the eThekwini Municipality has started the drilling of boreholes in several wards, particularly in the rural parts of the city.
This follows the recent launch of the borehole project that will see 20 boreholes drilled in areas affected by irregular supply of water.
Launched by eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, the project will ensure that residents have access to clean, safe water as an interim measure, while longer term solutions are sought.
“In areas where there is inadequate water infrastructure, the municipality has reprioritised funding for the drilling of boreholes. We are pleased to report that teams have already started drilling boreholes,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda said the wards where the projects have started include Ward 3 in Umzinyathi, Ward 105 in Mfume, Ward 59 in oGunjini, and Ward 108 in the eNyoni and Mkhumbane areas.
Giving an update on the restoration of water supply in uMhlanga, Durban North and surrounding areas, Kaunda said as a proactive and preventative measure, the municipal teams will be installing pressure gauges at strategic points on the bulk aqueduct pipeline.
“They will link this up with our telemetry system where we monitor the reservoir levels. We have also approached the South African Police Service to speed up the investigation on the criminal case of sabotage the municipality has opened,” Kaunda said.
The Mayor also reported that the sanitation technical teams continue to work around the clock to ensure all beaches are open during the festive season and beyond.
Kaunda said there is a collaborative effort between the scientific services and the mechanical and wastewater network departments to clearly identify the sources for any identified coastal pollution.
“It is important for the public to know that the pollution of beaches is caused by a combination of factors including pump failure, load shedding, vandalism or poor network infrastructure.
“Therefore, the streamlining of our processes has resulted in us being able to prioritise and track non-functioning infrastructure on a daily basis to ensure repairs are effected promptly,” Kaunda said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:21
799 views
RS Service Centre: Your Trusted Partner in Car Care
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, where cars are an essential part of our daily lives, having a reliable service centre is like having a trusted friend who always has your back. RS Services service centre understands this, and they have been that friend for countless vehicle owners, providing top-notch car services that …
Start My Car: Navigating the Maze of Car Parts and Components
In the intricate world of automobiles, every journey begins with the sum of its parts. As vehicles propel us forward, it’s the unseen components and mechanisms that ensure a smooth and safe ride. Start My Car, a haven for car enthusiasts and mechanics alike, understands the importance of these elements. Let’s embark on a journey …
Embrace Spring with Micro Gardening: Cultivating Greenery in Every Space!
Bloom where you’re planted There’s a gardener in everyone, and a garden waiting to take root in every space this spring. Gardeners everywhere are returning to sow and plant, but what to do if you don’t have a large soil-and-lawn garden but feel the spirit of the season stirring in your heart? Gardening has never …
DWS withdraws government waterworks draft regulations
DWS withdraws government waterworks draft regulations
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has announced the withdrawal of the proposed regulations relating to access and use of government waterworks and surrounding State-owned land for recreational purposes.
The draft regulations were published in the Government Gazette on 24 March 2023, for a second round of public comments to solicit inputs from various stakeholders and members of the public who have interests in accessing and using the departmental infrastructures for recreational purposes.
“The draft regulations were withdrawn after considering the public comments received during public consultations as well as from written comments. Newly proposed regulations will be reissued once the reviewing process is concluded,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:59
125 views
Joburg City to blame for “dark buildings” crisis say property owners
Albert Street fire tragedy sparks renewed attempt to evict hundreds of people living in derelict downtown buildings
Henkel South Africa to Partner with Hudson Rubber to Produce Vehicle Sealing and Acoustic Solutions
Henkel South Africa is partnering with Hammanskraal-based Hudson Rubber to locally fabricate Henkel’s vehicle rubber sealing and acoustic solutions for OEM vehicle panel reinforcing, noise reduced and vibration protection. Henkel’s patented technology of 2D and 3D sealing and acoustic solutions along with damping materials for the body shop provides robust noise, vibration, harshness protection – …
Watch: Son Interviews Father On The Importance Of Eating Breakfast (cutest thing you will see all day!)
Are you teaching your children about a good breakfast? Thembile Nyathi, an 11-year-old learner at Leresche Primary in Orlando East, Soweto, has captured hearts and brought smiles to faces with his heart-warming interview of his father, as part of the Rama Good Breakfast Programme. In this video, Thembile’s father, Silingo, candidly discusses his breakfast choices, …
Kzn Mec Celebrates With Futurelife® At Factory Opening
Leading food company, wholly-owned by PepsiCo South Africa, FUTURELIFE®, today celebrated the grand opening of its new cutting-edge manufacturing facility at Dube TradePort Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This event brought together key government officials, business leaders, and FUTURELIFE® employees. The opening of the facility showcases FUTURELIFE®’s resilience, innovation, and steadfast commitment to …
Trenton Welcomes The Novel Season With Their Spring/Summer Launch
Bring on Spring/Summer with Trenton’s newest and hottest shoes of the season! As we step into the hottest seasons of the year, Trenton has made sure that we are ready as they officially launched their highly anticipated Spring Summer Collection at their Cape Town Store on the 28th of September 2023. The event was a …
SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management
SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management
The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC – GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the promotion of equitable and reasonable utilisation of water resources of the Incomati and Maputo Basin.
The agreement also seeks to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the resources.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBO) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWI) workshop, held at Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo on 2 - 4 October 2023.
The workshop aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas that will enhance effective transboundary water resources planning, development, and management in the region, while ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience in order to improve regional water security, and ultimately reduce poverty through regional integration, economic productivity and industrialisation.
Through the signed MoU, the two parties have agreed on the following areas of cooperation, amongst others:
• Engage in academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins on items of mutual interest, particularly on groundwater related issues.
• Share any information that improves the knowledge base on transboundary aquifers in the Incomati and Maputo Basins.
• Design and undertake joint excursions and projects within the two basins.
• Explore funding opportunities from various cooperating partners and funders to implement joint activities within the basin.
INMACOM is an entity established by the Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Mozambique, and Republic of South Africa through the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement entered into in November 2021.
This is an instrument used to guide the Riparian States in contributing to regional cooperation with regard to the utilisation and development of common water resources.
The main responsibility of the Commission is to, amongst others, encourage cooperation between the parties to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of the water resources shared by the Member States.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has welcomed the new development, saying the combined effort by the Member States, through South Africa’s Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources in Eswatini and Mozambique’s Department of Water and Natural Resources, could also contribute positively towards “peace, stability and prosperity of the Southern African region”.
“SADC-GMI, is established as the regional Centre of Excellence in promoting equitable and sustainable groundwater management and providing solutions to groundwater challenges across the SADC region for improved livelihoods and socio-economic development. This also forms part of SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty eradication.
“Furthermore, SADC-GMI mandate is to create an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and create an enabling dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information in the SADC region,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:48
24 views
Mop up operations continue across Western Cape
Mop up operations continue across Western Cape
The Western Cape Provincial Government says it has been working around the clock to re-open roads and assist communities that have been badly affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding.
Giving an update on mop up operations, Head of the Department of Infrastructure, Jacqueline Gooch, said while the province has been working around the clock to re-open the roads along with their partners, some mop up operations are taking some time to complete due to the extent of the damage.
“While main routes and alternatives to main routes are prioritised, at times, despite being a high priority, we have to wait for the flood water to subside. This is in the case where a road remains under water or where landslips have occurred. For example, both Clarence Drive and Franschhoek Pass have significant landslips, and repair work cannot commence until the slips have stabilised,” Gooch said.
Gooch explained that when prioritising the road repairs, the provincial government considers the main routes and alternatives to main routes; access to communities that have been cut off completely for humanitarian relief, food and emergency services; and roads which are of economic importance, such as those needed for movement of goods/exports, among other things.
On the estimated total cost of storm damage, Gooch said the costs for repairs cannot be confirmed at this stage, until all inspections and assessments of damage have been carried out.
“It is likely to be a considerable amount, when taking into account for example among other costs the number of bridges and roads that have been completely washed away,” she said.
Gooch urged residents to pay attention to road closure signs, as they are in place for their safety.
With saturated ground, she said, water causes expansion in certain cases and when an area dries, it contracts again.
“While much has been done in terms of mop-up operations and responding to communities’ needs, we are still in the process of our disaster response and will be for some time. As we further inspect the road network, we are discovering additional damage to infrastructure,” Gooch said.
Meanwhile, the provincial government has appealed to citizens who assist displaced families with donations in the form of blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food and toiletries.
Citizens who are able to donate towards relief efforts are requested to drop off any donations at the following offices of the SA Red Cross Society:
• Wynberg: 21 Broad Road, Wynberg
• Greyton: 11 Pointers Way, Heuwelkroon, Greyton
• Hermanus: 2A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
• Knysna: 25 Trotter Street, Knysna
The province has expressed its appreciation to all officials, including teams on the ground and partners, for hard work thus far and the work currently underway. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 15:10
245 views
Western Cape municipality fails to keep its water clean
Kannaland also does not conduct all the water tests it is supposed to
Vaal Central Water pledges full support to board of directors
Vaal Central Water pledges full support to board of directors
Vaal Central Water Board has pledged its full support to its newly appointed Board of Directors.
The newly appointed 12-member board, effective from 01 October 2023, was spearheaded by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, following a rigorous selection process.
The Vaal-Central Water Board used to be previously known as Bloem Water.
Welcoming the new board members, the entity said it will include esteemed individuals, and carries with it an amalgamation of vast experience from both the public and private sector.
“Their diverse backgrounds, insights, and expertise will prove instrumental in driving the Board's vision forward. In ensuring that the board not only aligns with the entity’s values and goals but also resonates with the unique needs of the Northern Cape and the Free State; both Provinces are represented,” the entity said in a statement.
The newly appointed members of the board include Makhosini Solomon Msibi (Chairperson); Lungile Right Bomela (Deputy Chairperson); Luvuyo Xola Ntoyi; Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman; Ntikila Sandlana; Andrew Modisaotsile Rantho; Desmond Solomon Ezekiel Fransman; Matshego Gail Mercy Jele; Boipelo Felicity Nakedi; Advocate Tshepiso Doreen Segoe-Backward; Thabo Moses Manyoni; and Gugulethu Wendy Phakathi.
“In the spirit of continuity and retaining institutional memory, it is noteworthy to mention that the 12-member Board has 4 members who served in the previous Board. This is another defining moment for Vaal Central Water Board following the announcement and gazette of the new name of the Water Board by the Minister transitioning from “Bloem Water” to “Vaal Central Water Board” on 14 July 2023,” the entity said.
Swift plans to deal with water service challenges
Meanwhile, Mchunu has urged the incoming board to be agile in putting plans in place to deal with water service challenges affecting both provinces, including areas that were previously un-serviced.
Mchunu, recently met with the old and new boards of the entity to lead a process of handover from the old to the new board, and also inducted the new board on their role, responsibilities, and functions in the new entity, in order for the new board to hit the ground running.
“The idea behind the reconfiguration of Water Boards is to ensure that water boards increase access to un-serviced areas, enhance market capitalisation for infrastructure projects, and reduce skewed supply of water,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu commended the outgoing board members of the Vaal-Central Water for the smooth transition process from Bloem Water, and welcomed the incoming board. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 10:19
146 views
Water restrictions lifted on sub-systems within Algoa water supply scheme
Water restrictions lifted on sub-systems within Algoa water supply system
The Department of Water and Sanitation has lifted the water restrictions on the Kouga/Loerie Sub-System and Groendal Sub-System due to improved storage levels in the dams.
Announcing the lifting of water restrictions for some sub-systems within the Algoa Water Supply System in the Eastern Cape, the department said the recent rainfall has brought significant relief from the protracted period of drought experienced in the Algoa Bay region, with a significant recovery in dam levels to the extent that Kouga Dam recorded its first spilling since 2015.
“This catchment is of strategic importance to the western parts of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Kouga Local Municipality as well as the agricultural sector in the Gamtoos Valley,” the department said.
According to the department report, in week 19 (15 May 2023), the Algoa Water Supply System recorded an accumulative storage level of only 13.3%, with Kouga Dam at 14.57%, Churchill Dam at 24.4%, Groendal Dam at 17.03%, and Impofu Dam at 6.79%.
“The latest records of this system’s recovery show that the accumulative storage has reached 70%, with Kouga Dam at 101.42%, Churchill Dam at 100.93%, Groendal Dam at 101%, and Impofu Dam at 24.37%. It is anticipated that Impofu Dam’s levels will increase over the next few days since it will benefit from the spilling from Churchill Dam.
“The department’s Water Resource Management Planning processes are based on hydrological trends, hence there will be continuous monitoring of the accumulation of rainfall-generated run-off throughout the remainder of the hydrological year (period of monitoring) in this catchment,” the department said.
The department has also noted experts warning that there are indicators of a strong El Niño developing which could coincide with warmer temperatures and lower rainfall across South Africa (CSIR, 2023).
Since the full impact of the anticipated El Niño effect is not known, the department said it is reluctant to confidently declare that the protracted drought period has ended.
“The analysis over a longer period will provide for a more accurate climate and hydrological trend. This analysis will enable a decision to be made in November regarding the annual restrictions to be imposed on the region.
“However, in the meantime, the hydrological recovery of the Algoa water supply system has allowed the department to favourably consider the upliftment of the restrictions for the area. This relaxation of water use will contribute to the economic recovery in the domestic, agricultural, and industrial sectors in the area,” the department said.
Reviewed restrictions are as follows:
• The water restriction on the Kouga/Loerie Sub-System and Groendal Sub-System has been lifted due to improved storage levels in these dams, up until the next decision date (November 2023).
• Restrictions in the Kromme Sub-System, comprising of Churchill and Impofu dams and upstream catchment remain in place until the next decision date (November 2023).
The department emphasised that water users are required to continue using water responsibly and not to exceed water use abstraction allocation volumes.
It also encouraged the general public to continue conserving water and report water leaks.
“The Algoa water supply system is still under threat of a growing demand that exceeds the yield, which implies that consumption levels are higher than the natural replenishing ability of the water resource system. The sensitive nature of this water supply system demands the cooperation of the collective community dependent on this water resource, to continue using water sparingly,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 11:35
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Western Cape Premier set to open pan-African clean tech pitch event at Green Energy Africa Summit
On 11 October 2023, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, will provide the opening remarks at Green Energy Africa Summit's (https://GreenEnergyAfricaSummit.com/) high-octane deal pitching platform, the Energy Investment Village.
A selection of ten African clean-tech start-ups will pitch their clean-tech solutions before a panel of judges and a room full of potential international investors on day 2 of the highly anticipated Green Energy Africa Summit. The Premier's presence at the Energy Investment Village signals the growing interest in - and serious consideration of - African clean-tech start-ups as viable clean energy investment assets.
This is the second year that Green Energy Africa Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3PLZHI8) has hosted the Energy Investment Village. The initiative was developed in partnership with Freeport Saldanha's Innovation Campus (https://www.InnovationCampus.co.za/) and advisory firm, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) (https://EnablingInnovation.Africa/) and Anza Capital (https://Anza.holdings/), an early-stage tech start-up investment company. The Energy Investment Village is supported by Africa Scotland Business Network, JSE, Oceanhub-Africa, Savant, Firecracker, CHIETA, and Sasol.
The Green Energy Africa Summit itself provides an important role in enabling international investors to originate projects that will reduce the energy deficit whilst also contributing to developing low-carbon pathways. The Energy Investment Village is the action-based aspect of the Summit, providing a key moment for African clean energy projects and international investors to have direct sight of one another.
According to a report by the International Energy Agency, African energy investment needs to double to over USD 200 billion per year by 2030, for the continent to meet its energy-related development goals. However, emerging and developing economies (except for China) remain stuck at 2015 levels, with no increase since the Paris Agreement was reached.
Premier Winde says, “Our energy demands are currently outstripping supply. When ramping up capacity, clean energy solutions must be a priority. This is particularly important for South Africa if we are to reach our goal of net zero emissions by 2050, to which we've committed in our Low-Emission Development Strategy as part of the UNDP Climate Promise, and the Western Cape Government is committed to supporting. Initiatives such as the Green Energy Africa Summit's Energy Investment Village are excellent vehicles to enable clean energy innovation to flourish. As the Western Cape Government, we are investing heavily in making our province energy resilient. This involves striking a balance between driving economic growth while at the same time developing and harnessing renewable energy solutions.”
As well as finding potential investor-start-up linkages and synergies, the competing start-ups can win valuable prizes provided by the Energy Investment Village sponsors. This includes capacity-enhancing programmes such as:
- Pitch preparation training programme sponsored by CHIETA (for all finalists);
- JSE's Enterprise Acceleration Programme;
- Build Acceleration Programme 2024 by Savant;
- Enterprise Supplier Development Programme by Sasol; and
- a half day brand workshop valued at R25k by Firecracker Events and Marketing.
Additionally, up to R5 million in VC funding (dependent on terms & conditions and company audit) will be made available by Anza Capital, and corporate membership to an international network worth R9k will be given to the top start-up by Africa Scotland Business Network. A cash prize of R100k from Sasol for a selected start-up.
Energy Investment Village finalists for 2023
- Therm, pioneers in sustainable heating solutions, utilizing innovative technologies for efficient energy consumption.
- AET Africa, providers of renewable energy systems, specialising in solar and wind power generation across the African continent.
- Ceneco Green Power, developers of environmentally friendly power plants focused on reducing carbon emissions.
- Energy Cubes, innovators in energy storage, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for optimising power distribution.
- Powerstove, providers of clean cooking solutions in the form of efficient and clean-burning stoves for households and communities.
- Revive Earth, turning organic waste into renewable resources while mitigating environmental impact.
- Green Share, providers of a decentralised energy management system, enabling communities to generate, store, and share renewable energy.
- Think Bikes, providing sustainable urban transportation through the design and manufacture of electric bicycles for eco-conscious commuters.
- Flx, offering cutting-edge electric vehicles with a focus on performance, affordability, and sustainability.
- Impact-free Water, providers of sustainable solutions for clean and accessible water in resource-challenged regions.
Find out more about attending Green Energy Africa Summit and take part in the excitement as the Energy Investment Village finalists battle it out for pole position: https://apo-opa.info/3Q6u6Cp
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Green Energy Africa Summit.
Media Contact:
Amie Sparrow
PR Manager
amie.sparrow@hyve.group
About Green Energy Africa Summit:
The Green Energy Africa Summit is a high-level gathering advocating for policy reforms and the harmonisation of Africa's natural resources, to help pave the way for a just energy transition to ensure Africa remains competitive and attractive to global finance. The Green Energy Africa Summit takes place in the heart of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) from 10-11 October 2023.
Revitalisation of uMkhomazi multi-billion rand water project underway
Revitalisation of uMkhomazi multi-billion rand water project underway
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has announced that the R23 billion uMkhomazi Water Project has been resuscitated, after being delayed for several years.
Mchunu made the announcement during a media briefing held in Durban to give an update on water security in eThekwini and other districts, particularly Phase I of the uMkhomazi Water Project.
Mchunu said the uMkhomazi Water Project will increase water security in the uMngeni Water Supply System which supplies eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala District Municipalities and Msunduzi Local Municipality, and ensure water security in 2030.
He said, this represents progress after a number of meetings with the Ministers of Finance, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and eThekwini Mayor.
Mchunu explained that the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a state-owned entity charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will implement the raw water component of the project, while the potable water component will be implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water.
“This means that, the ball is now in eThekwini’s court to start consultations and complete them as soon as possible so that the project can really start without any further delays. These consultations will also enable TCTA to start raising 50% of the finance required for the project on the market.
“The remaining 50% will be funded by National Treasury, through a 25% loan to the TCTA and a 25% grant. The contribution to the project from the fiscus enables the water that will be provided to be affordable to the municipalities. We now want TCTA to proceed with planning and design work right away so that construction can start as soon as possible in 2024 / 2025,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu also reported that the department has completed the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall by 7.02 metres, which will put additional water to eThekwini, following the floods which left Aqueducts 1 and 2 damaged.
The Minister said the repairs to Aqueduct 1 and 2 have been completed and they are back online, and will be commissioned soon.
“The shortages of water in the South and other areas require a number of accelerated activities, including the completion of repairs to eThekwini’s own south-bound Aqueduct. We are aware of several infrastructure projects by eThekwini, and these represent a positive development,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the next priority activities would be to deal with non-revenue water and physical losses, including operations and maintenance, billing, and revenue collection.
He said the department is working in partnership with National Treasury and CoGTA to support eThekwini to improve its water and sanitation services.
In this regard, he said the city has put in place a Water and Sanitation Turnaround Strategy and the private sector as an additional component in the accelerated efforts, will play a role.
On wastewater infrastructure in the city, Mchunu announced that eThekwini and Umngeni-Uthukela Water have agreed on an immediate target of 10 wastewater plants for refurbishment, operation and maintenance, representing 90% of the effluent that the city treats.
He emphasised that eThekwini needs to sign the Service-Level Agreement soon.
Appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water Board
The Minister also used an opportunity to introduce the newly appointed 12-member board for uMngeni-uThukela Water, which includes Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo as the Chairperson and Nothando Mkhize as the Deputy Chairperson.
Other board members are Senamile Masango; Khanyisani Shandu; Sylvia Mhlongo; Lavandran Gopaul; Hlengiwe Mvubu; Timothy Cornish; Diana Hoorzuk; Sipho Mtolo; and Sibusiso Mkhize.
“The newly appointed 12-member Board comprises of individuals who collectively possess Science, Engineering, Law, Accounting and Finance competencies,” Mchunu noted. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/04/2023 - 13:26
83 views
Without Ma Rosey, these children would get nothing all day but sugar water
Mthatha mother battles to feed the children who come to her day care centre
Small-scale farmers suffer devastating losses after Western Cape floods
At a Genadendal farm, nearly 500 chickens drowned, and over 50 pigs are missing