The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Honourable Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, will on Thursday, 16 March 2023 embark on a two day visit to the UMkhanyakude District in northern KwaZulu-Natal to inspect progress on water infrastructure upgrades in the area.

The Minister’s will also update local communities from the Jozini and Mhlabuyalingana local municipalities on ongoing water reticulation works in the area. These include, among others, the laying of a 12km pipeline at the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme as well as upgrades to an elevated steel tank which will allow more than 4,000 families from the area to access safe drinking water.

Minister Mchunu will also give an update on plans to double the capacity of the Jozini Water Treatment works which will, upon completion, supply more than 25,000 families with water.

Commenting ahead of the visit, Minister Mchunu said: “We have given a firm directive to Mhlathuze Water to work hand in glove with the UMkhanyakude District which includes the Big Five Hlabisa, Mtubatuba, Jozini and Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipalities to bring about immediate and lasting water relief to entire communities that have for the longest time been deprived of this precious resource.”

Under the directive, work has already begun on water reticulation projects and engineering contractors have already established a presence in the district.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Minister’s visit to be held as follows:

Day 1: Thursday, 16 March 2023

Venue: Site visit to Greater Ingwavuma Water Supply Scheme

Time: 10am (and later proceed to community event at Lubambo Hall, Jozini)

Day 2: Friday, 17 March 2023

Venue: Sikhemelele/Mtikini Water Supply Scheme

Time: 10am (and later proceed to community engagement at Mtikini sports field)

Source: Government of South Africa