Alfred Nzo District Municipality received the service provider appointed by Umngeni Water to conduct an environmental impact assessment and public participation for Mbizana Bulk Water Supply Project Phases 1 & 2.
According to Lixolile Petela, the municipality spokesperson, the bulk water supply was committed by the minister of Water and Sanitation in order to provide water to the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality. He said that Umngeni Water was subsequently appointed as the implementation agent.
“The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and social facilitation are for the work outstanding in phases one and two of the project. Outstanding work in phase one, social compensation for land, damages to houses and relocation of graves (is currently in progress),” said Petela.
According to him, phase two includes upgrading the pump station in Nomlacu Water Treatment.
The executive mayor of Alfred Nzo, Councillor Vukile Mhlelembana, has expressed appreciation for the project’s progress.
“When I approached the minister of Water and Sanitation for assistance, we requested intervention to fast-track water provision for the whole of the Alfred Nzo District and it is satisfying to see that progress is being made in Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality,” said Mhlelembana.
He added that they hope that the assistance will spill over to other municipalities across the district. He said the EIA and social facilitation is going to start immediately, so as to allow the speedy implementation of the work phases and begin with phases three and four – which includes the rolling out of water reticulation across Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality.
– ISSUED BY ANDM
