The Pongolapoort Bulk Water Supply Project, launched by Minister of Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane together with Premier Senzo Mchunu of KwaZulu-Natal, will supply potable water to the rural communities in the Jozini Local Municipality.

The increased production of potable water assisted by the installation of bulk water and reticulation networks in the area will ultimately service a total population of 134 864 people within about 16 200 households. The total cost up to date on the first phase of the project stands at R368 million.

 

A step towards 100% coverage

In her address to the community, Mokonyane articulated the department’s support for local government. She indicated that Phase 1A, at a cost of R1.5 billion, is part of the steps that will finally ensure that the Umkhanyakude District Municipality and the Jozini Local Municipality receive full access to potable water.

Water tankers currently in use in the areas not yet receiving coverage will continue working, ensuring that no one is ever without water.

Working together

Mchunu stressed the importance of working together with traditional leaders. “The provincial government will strengthen the inter-governmental relations with both national and local government as well as traditional leaders. Through this co-operation, a lot of ground has been covered in terms of service delivery, particularly in Jozini and Umkhanyakude,” said Mchunu.

“Today we are gathered here to celebrate the delivery of this very critical resource. This is part of our non-discriminatory development. We develop both the urban and rural areas. All this work must be viewed as part of a process,” he added.

The responsibility of service delivery

Mokonyane and Mchunu both expressed a need for all to realise the responsibility that comes with delivery of services. They argued that everyone has an equal responsibility towards ensuring the security and protection of available infrastructure and resources.

Communities therefore have to understand and appreciate that the infrastructure brought to them must be protected and maintained.

Increasing capacity at the local level

In this regard, the Department of Water and Sanitaion will assist in raising the levels of capacity and expertise within this field at local level. The department will continue to deploy its available capacity from within as well as from entities like the water boards that operate within communities.

Critical co-existence is necessary at such times to ensure proper skills development and cascading of capacity.