The City recently held a stakeholder engagement with ratepayer associations to provide an update on service delivery matters.
TO MAINTAIN transparency regarding service delivery matters and to provide a platform for constructive consultation, the City held a stakeholder engagement with ratepayer associations on 1 March at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The engagement was led by eThekwini Speaker Councillor Thabani Nyawose and eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele together with officials from various departments. Top of the agenda was the challenge of water supply to various areas and the billing error where some residents were not charged for water.
The various medium to long-term projects that the Water and Sanitation Unit is implementing as part of infrastructure upgrades to improve water supply capacity was explained to residents. One of these projects is the pipeline replacement being implemented throughout the City as well as a comprehensive leak detection and repair programme.
The installation of pressure management valves together with dysfunctional meter replacements and the incorporation of technology to enhance meter accuracy are other measures being implemented. The new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation Pipeline is expected to be commissioned before the end of March. The construction of a 600mm diameter water rising main from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir will be commissioned in April. The upgrade of trunk mains in Zwelibomvu and KwaXimba, which includes a package plant, is underway to augment water capacity to affected areas. The repair of the 24km Southern Aqueduct is expected to start before the end of March. The City is also fast tracking repairs to sanitation infrastructure resulting in sewer overflows. To mitigate sewer overflows to Umngeni River and central beaches, a contractor has started with repairs at the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works.
In relation to the water back date charge to properties who erroneously received free basic water, it was explained that it was impossible for the City to write-off the debt. However, cases of those who are on the Indigent Register are being reviewed for consideration. Residents were also encouraged to apply for the rates rebate renewal before 30 April.