KCDM tables annual report presentation

Challenges faced by the uMfolozi municipality and its surroundings are the result of lack of water in the area.

This was revealed by the King Cetshwayo District Municipality during its annual report presentation last week.

KCDM is the water service authority to four municipalities in the region, including uMfolozi.

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Tabling the presentation to its stakeholders, KCDM Mayor Sikhumbuzo Dlamini said the district buys water from the City of uMhlathuze to supply areas within uMfolozi.

However, plans are under way to explore underground water in the upper Sokhulu area.

Among other challenges faced by the district in its quest to service communities with clean running water, include the struggle to collect revenue and illegal connections.

This was attributed to the fact that the vast majority of areas where the district supplies water are under the tribal authorities, where water and sanitation services are not paid for.

Addressing this factor, KCD municipal manager Philani Sibiya told stakeholders they are planning to have network operators work seven days a week servicing the community.

“Due to flocks of people coming back to the Amakhosi areas, we are losing lots of water that is not being paid for. We are engaging with Amakhosi because not everyone in their areas can not afford to pay for the services,” said Sibiya.

He pleaded with those who can afford it to not deprive disadvantaged citizens by buying water and diverting water tankers meant for public provision.

For the 2023/24 financial year, KCDM received an unqualified audit with no findings and spent 100% of its budget for water and sanitation projects.

The approved annual report has been sent out for public comment and to be adopted by the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) once the public comment period has been concluded.

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