Umzinyathi District Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and draft budget have highlighted ongoing financial constraints, staffing inefficiencies and delays in addressing service delivery backlogs.

Water infrastructure upgrades take centre stage

District Mayor Thembisile Mchunu, alongside Endumeni Mayor Mcebo Mkhize, addressed residents at the Moth Hall last week, outlining key projects aimed at improving service delivery across the district.

Mayor Mchunu said the municipality will invest R307 million in repairing and upgrading water and sewer infrastructure, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant.

Among the allocations, R6.7 million has been set aside to provide water to Ruigtefontein and Kunene Farm, while R2.2 million will be used to upgrade sanitation systems in Wasbank.

Endumeni residents are set to benefit from a R16 million investment in the Dundee water treatment plant, which has struggled to meet demand and contributed to ongoing water shedding in the area for nearly two decades.

A further R6.8 million has been allocated to improve Wasbank’s water supply system.

“When I was appointed as mayor, it was my priority to restore water to areas that had previously lost supply. It is encouraging that R2.9 million has been allocated to repair ageing systems so that water can flow again,” said Mchunu.

She added that the rollout of boreholes across wards will continue in the new financial year to ensure communities have access to water.

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