A successful handover ceremony to the contractor for the construction of two Branch Offices was held on Monday, 6/12/99. These will be built, one at Ndaleni and one at Magoda as part of Ndaleni water Scheme implemented by Umgeni Water.. This is the first contract to be awarded for the Ndaleni Water Supply Scheme. A number of civil engineering contracts are expected to be awarded early in the new year. This event was held to officially herald the beginning of the Ndaleni Water scheme, which has long been awaited by the community.
Pupils from schools in the area were invited to participate in a logo competition for the scheme. This logo will be used on all vehicles and stationary associated with the scheme. The successful entrant and school the school they come from will receive prizes at a function to be held in the early new year. The competition also enhanced awareness of water amongst pupils in the area.
Umgeni Water conducted a feasibility study of the scheme in 1995 and in 1996 appointed consultants including emerging ones to undertake the design work. The project was expected to go out to tender in August of that year, however due to the escalation of violence in the area the scheme was put on hold. On numerous occasions the project was a start/stop issue, as the area would stabilise and then erupt in violence again on a number of occasions.
There has been calm in the area for most of the year and continued negotiations between the Richmond TLC and Umgeni Water Representatives over that period has seen to the resurrection of the Scheme.
Umgeni Water are contributing R21 million towards the scheme, whilst the iNdlovu Regional Council are providing a grant of R7 million, a total cost of R28 million. Richmond TLC will play a major part in the running of the scheme through contributing part of their equitable share from government into the running of the scheme.
The scheme is expected to benefit 26 000 people, all of whom will now have access to safe and reliable water supply. It has been a decision by Umgeni Water together with the Richmond Transitional Local Council that local sub-contractors and local labour be used during construction. Training of the local labour also forms part of the contracts.
The scheme is expected to be commissioned by April 2001.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
1. ROY BOODHOO
UMGENI WATER
TEL: 033 - 341 1235
FAX: 033 - 341 1241
2. KAREN JANSEN
COMMUNICATIONS FACILITATOR
UMGENI WATER
TEL: 033 - 341 1052
FAX: 033 - 341 1167
END
This document was submitted
by the Umgeni Water Public Affairs Department.
