Wosiyane residents have celebrated the completion of a R1.74-million water project, hopeful it will provide clean water for decades to come.

The Wosiyane Spring Protection Project in Ward 16 of Ndwedwe Municipality was commissioned by the iLembe District Municipality.
Completed in February, the project forms part of the district’s rudimentary water supply interventions aimed at reaching communities in remote areas through sustainable solutions.

The project includes a protected spring extraction point, a 10 000-litre storage tank, as well as bulk and reticulation pipelines supplying seven communal stand pipes.

The gravity-fed system currently serves 26 households, benefitting about 125 residents. A geo-hydrological and water quality assessment was conducted to ensure the safety of the water supply.

Local induna Mduduzi Buthelezi welcomed the project but warned residents to protect the infrastructure.
He said the community must take responsibility for safeguarding the system to prevent disruptions.

Concerns were raised that an illegal eighth stand pipe has already been connected to the system, while cattle have damaged pipes at the spring source, causing recent water interruptions.

Ndwedwe mayor Samuel Mfeka welcomed the practical solution.
“Given the difficult topography of Ward 16, spring protection is a workable and effective solution for Wosiyane and much of Ndwedwe,” he said.

iLembe mayor Thobani Shandu said council remained focused on finding solutions despite financial constraints.
“Our intention is for everyone to have access to clean, drinkable water. We are exploring all avenues, from borehole drilling across the district to water tankers for underserved areas, to ensure no one is left behind,” said Shandu.

He warned that illegal connections damage the system and affect the entire community.
Shandu added that the district plans to upgrade to yard connections in the future and address sanitation needs, including toilets, in the next financial year.

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