The Department of Water and Sanitation is expected to launch the R1.32 billion Lower Thukela Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Mandeni Local Municipality.

The launch will take place on 22 March at Sappi Sports Ground in Mandeni. The water supply scheme will serve the communities of Mandeni and KwaDukuza.

Funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant and Umgeni Water, the project has the infrastructure required to abstract and treat water from UThukela River to supply to secondary bulk and reticulation networks within iLembe District Municipality.

These networks will ultimately supply both developed and unserved areas.

“The purpose of the project is to supply an additional 55Ml/d of treated water to the coastal and inland areas of KwaDukuza Local Municipality and Mandeni Local Municipality.

“The supply of water to industry will ensure job creation and economic upliftment of the local community,” the department said on Thursday.

The population projection for the area up to 2035 is 19 149 people in approximately 3 193 households. The scheme will also supply the rural areas of Bulwer, San Soucci and St Christopher, as well as the towns of Darnall, Zinkwazi and Blythedale in KwaDukuza Municipality. The scheme will ultimately serve about 350 000 people.

Phase 1 of the project is about 95% complete. The last part of the contract is expected to be completed in September 2016.