A R26-million sewer infrastructure project aimed at addressing ongoing sewage spillages in Dannhauser has got under way.

The 12-month project includes the construction of a new 75km sewer line from South Park to Mafusini in Ward 2, as well as a new sewage treatment plant at Mafusini.

The project was officially launched with a sod-turning ceremony at the Dannhauser Town Hall, attended by Dannhauser Mayor Cllr Bongani Radebe and Amajuba District Municipality Mayor Cllr Thembelihle Mthembu.

The new treatment plant is expected to provide much-needed additional capacity for Dannhauser, which currently relies on a single sewage treatment plant.

Project includes job creation

Limited treatment capacity has been identified as a major contributor to sewage spillages in the area.

The new pipeline will form part of a broader sanitation infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving the movement and treatment of sewage in affected areas.

The appointed contractor is based in Pietermaritzburg.

The project is also creating local employment opportunities, with 30 people already employed on site – 18 men and 12 women.

Work is expected to continue over the next 12 months as the new infrastructure is constructed and the sewage system upgraded.

Community activist Farnazah Dookie, who has campaigned for years for improvements to Dannhauser’s water and sewage systems, welcomed the project.

“I believe the people of Dannhauser deserve this, because raw sewage has been running into the streets and we have been fighting for this for years.

“It’s about time it was sorted out,” she said.