Multimillion rand water upgrade for Murchison
The installation of an emergency pipeline will cost about R70-million.
THE man who died in the N2 service delivery protest near Murchison on Monday last week has been identified as Micheal Mathenjwa (26).
A press statement released by Willies Mchunu, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison last week, indicated that the man allegedly died after inhaling teargas during a clash with police.
Ugu spokesman, Sipho Khuzwayo, confirmed that Ugu is to start with the emergency implementation of the water supply upgrade for the Murchison community.
“The installation of the emergency pipeline that will feed the community straight from the reservoir will be carried out in three distinctive phases at an estimated cost of R70-million,” he said.
He explained that the scope of work is said to require different levels of expertise, that of mechanical and electrical, civils (pipelines) and civils (concrete), which is the construction of the reservoir.
The construction, commissioning and operations of the upgrade systems are scheduled to start in September and be completed by July 2015.
“After the completion of this project, the municipality will be able to cater for the demanding supply of the Murchison community,” he said.
In June, Ugu held a sod turning event marking a continuation of the multi-million rand Umzimkhulu Water Augmentation Scheme Project to improve water supply in the areas of Gamalakhe, Murchison, KwaMadlala, Louisiana, Oshabeni, KwaNdwalane and KwaMavundla.
Plans are also under way to extend the Bhobhoyi waterworks to produce an additional 27 Ml/d to cater for the growing water demand.
This major water supply upgrade is scheduled to be completed in 2017, where all communities will be efficiently supplied with water.
For regular updates on the pipeline upgrade, water and sanitation issues, communities are urged to engage with their ward councillors or call 08000 WATER (92837) or 039 688 5830/36.
