Plans to solve water shortages

GAMALAKHE residents had the opportunity of hearing first hand the progress on the Izotsha pipeline project, when Ugu officials, led by the deputy mayor, Mondli Chiliza, who is also the chairman of the Water and Sanitation Portfolio Committee visited Gamalakhe.

The meeting was to also address ward 26 residents regarding the status of water supply in the area.

The municipality shared a progress report on the Izotsha pipeline project, and shared more on the present structure which is an extension to the current pipeline.

“The municipality has awarded the tender and to date, 11 percent of the work has been undertaken. The broader project is still with the bid evaluation committee and work is expected to start mid September for an estimated period of six months,” said Ugu spokesman Sipho Khuzwayo.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss numerous water service delivery matters which include disadvantages of illegal connections, the smart meter pilot project taking place in the area and water tanker distribution.

“The municipality rolled out a community outreach consultation process in May which sought to inform the public on the state of water provision with the families of municipalities,” said Mr Khuzwayo.

He added that the consultation process would rotate throughout the district, and that Ugu seeks support from all relevant structures to ensure productivity of these community meetings.

Ugu has urged ward committee members to partner with other active community structures to formulate water crisis committees that will ensure effective communication between the public and the municipality.

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.