RESIDENTS from Othongathi and Surrounding areas will be Employed for the massive Multi-million projects set To get underway in the Community soon. Ethekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda Unveiled the projects to The community on 15 September.

He introduced The contractors to the Community that will Undertake the work during An engagement at the Outspan Sports Grounds. The work includes Multimillion water and Electricity projects. Mayor Kaunda reminded The contractors of the Municipality’s socio-radical Economic transformation Policy of employing or Subcontracting 30 percent Of local labour.

This ensures Jobs are created and skills Transfer takes place. Mayor Kaunda said to Address water challenges In othongathi, particularly In wards 61 and 62, the Municipality has identified The need to increase the Storage at the existing Emona Reservoir within Its bulk reservoir supply Network. “The contractor will Commence work on 1 October for the construction Of an additional reinforced concrete water storage reservoir to a tune of R35 million.

The expansion will ensure that the supply zone has 48 hours of water storage catering for future increased demands. This includes the proposed Sunhill Housing Development,” he said. Mayor Kaunda said with the expansion of the eMona Water Reservoir, 50 percent of local labour will be employed. As part of the Municipality’s efforts to fast track the delivery of interim services such as electricity in informal settlements, Mayor Kaunda also introduced a contractor that will commence with the electrification project of the Mona Informal Settlement.

The project will cost R2 million. Mayor Kaunda also opened the oThongathi Human Capital Centre of Excellence. The centre is equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi. “Our aim is to have Human Capital Centres of Excellence across the Municipality. These centres are in line with the concept of smart cities. There are currently seven centres that are open to the public and Municipal staff Monday to Friday between 7.30am and 3.30pm,” he said.

simphiwe.dlamini@durban.gov.za