On September 8, 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr. Senzo Mchunu, conducted an inspection of the ongoing refurbishment and upgrading of the Mtubatuba Water Supply Schemes in KwaMsane township, Kwa-Zulu Natal. This intervention addresses the water challenges experienced by the district municipality in uMkhanyakude.
The Mtubatuba Water Treatment Works
The Mtubatuba Water Treatment Works serves as the primary source of water for KwaMsane, drawing water from the uMfolozi River, and supplying potable water to the local community through a complex network of pipelines and reservoirs.
In May, Minister Mchunu held a Water Imbizo with the KwaMsane community, where he shared the government’s plans for improving the water treatment facility. Currently treating up to 13 million liters of water per day, the R 9.7 million project, now 20% complete, will increase the facility’s capacity to 20 million liters per day to meet growing demands. The project is due for completion in November 2023.
Appointed Implementing Agent
In February 2022, Minister Mchunu invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act (108 of 1997) to address the district’s water challenges. The then Mhlathuze Water, now Umgeni-uThukela Water, was appointed as the Implementing Agent responsible for managing, operating, and maintaining the water and sanitation infrastructure within the district.
Crucial Upgrades
The refurbishment and upgrading of the Mtubatuba Water Supply Schemes are crucial for ensuring access to clean and safe water for the local community. The improvement of the water treatment facility will not only enhance the living conditions of residents but also contribute to the socio-economic growth and development of the region.
Stakeholder Involvement
The inspection on September 8 took place at the Bhobhoza Reservoir in Mtubatuba and was attended by stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Umgeni-uThukela Water, and the media. This gathering reaffirmed the government’s dedication to providing essential services and transforming the lives of its citizens.
Long-term Benefits
The Mtubatuba Water Supply Schemes project is an essential investment in the region’s infrastructure that will yield long-term benefits for the community. As the project moves towards its anticipated completion, it is a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the water challenges faced by South Africans and ensuring that everyone has access to clean, safe, and reliable water supply.
