EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has applauded the progress made to rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant after it was destroyed in the floods earlier this year. 


ETHEKWINI Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has commended the progress made on the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant after assessing the repairs on 6 August. Mayor Kaunda said there was 15 percent progress made on the repairs. He added that work on the plant should be completed by October. This will allow for the full restoration of water supply in affected areas.

It has been a month since the Mayor introduced a contractor to commence with the repairs of the plant. The contractor was given three months to complete the project. “It is pleasing to see that the plant has been stabalised and work has begun on the new power station. This will assist with pumping water from the plant to more than five reservoirs that are supplied by this plant,” Mayor Kaunda explained. Repairs on the plant have created employment for 18 people from the community. “As work continues in phases to restore the plant to its full capacity, more job opportunities will be created. We are also pleased that the community is being empowered through sub-contracting,” Mayor Kaunda said.

To ensure water supply to affected communities while repairs are being done on the plant, the Municipality has provided static tanks. After assessing progress on the plant, Mayor Kaunda conducted a walkabout in the Magwaveni community and interacted with residents on their service delivery challenges. This was followed by a public engagement with the community.