Rural communities in northern KwaZulu-Natal can breathe a sigh of relief as they will no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water.

Thanks to a massive water project undertaken by Mhlathuze Water on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation 6 000 households now turn on a tap for a drink of water.

The R96 million project involved the installation of water supply infrastructure to nine wards in deeply rural communities in Nongoma and Abaqulusi Municipalities under the Zululand District in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Not only has the project delivered water to these rural communities it has also helped create about 200 jobs during its implementation phase.

Mhlathuze Water Interim CEO Mthokozisi Duze says they are pleased to be a part of the writing of a new chapter in the lives of the largely rural communities.

“We are extremely elated that finally, people who had never before had convenient access to safe drinking water at the turn of a tap, are finally able to do so,” he notes.

“This project to supply water to the communities of Nongoma and Abaqulusi is ongoing and our goal is to ultimately see everyone effortlessly accessing this precious liquid,” he concludes.