Nearly 570 households across Etete and Shayamoya will soon have running water in their yards for the first time.

The R13.3-million project, funded through iLembe district municipality’s profit-share agreement with Siza Water, was officially launched at Velani Community Hall last Friday. The areas were selected based on existing infrastructure to maximise the households reached.

For 75-year-old Velani resident Busisiwe Moiana, the project is a dream come true.

“I can’t walk to the standpipe now. So you won’t believe how happy I was when I was told that water is now going to be connected into my yard,” she said.

Siza Water managing director Shyam Misra said the project followed four years of persistent requests from ward councillor Blessing Fakazi.

“This is the first one for Etete. It’s actually a very, very momentous occasion to celebrate the fact that we are going to install formal yard connections to the communities here,” said Misra.

The project is expected to take five to six months to complete, depending on weather conditions.

Misra said construction would also create temporary employment and possible subcontracting opportunities for residents.

Beneficiaries will not have to pay an initial connection fee, with the costs covered by the project budget. Residents will also receive guidance on using their water meters, reporting faults and protecting the infrastructure.

iLembe District Municipality speaker Dolly Shandu urged residents to protect the new infrastructure against vandalism and illegal connections.

“This is your project, embrace it and enjoy it. If you bypass water, you are not only stealing, but you are actually depriving other people of the right to a basic need,” said Shandu.

She also appealed to residents to co-operate with the appointed contractor to ensure the project runs smoothly.

Misra agreed, warning that illegal connections could threaten the long-term sustainability of water services in the area.