THE City of uMhlathuze has announced that all necessary documentation has been finalised to pave the way for the completion of the eSikhaleni Water Package Plant.

The project is intended to ease severe water shortages in areas including eSikhaleni, KwaDube and the Mkhwanazi reserves, and was initially scheduled to be completed by March 2024.

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Construction of the long-delayed 15 megalitre water package plant in Gobandlovu stalled for more than three years after work began when the auditor-general raised concerns regarding the previous contractor responsible for the project.

The halted project underwent further scrutiny during the municipality’s appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in January.

Commenting on the new developments, uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi said on Friday that the city manager had signed the long-awaited agreement with the new contractor for completion of this essential project.

Once completed, the plant will drastically increase water supply to eSikhaleni and surrounding areas, improving reliability and access for thousands of residents.

“We have a huge responsibility on our shoulders to ensure we deliver reliable water supply to our communities.

“We understand that in some instances there are delays in achieving this, but we will do everything possible to deliver on this commitment,” said Ngwezi.

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