EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda met with oThongathi residents where he introduced the contractor that will rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant that was damaged during the floods. 


CONSTRUCTION work, expected to cost R31 million to rebuild the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant, has commenced. Jobs will also be created with 50 percent of the workforce for the project coming from the community. EThekwini Mayor
Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda introduced the contractor that will rebuild the treatment plant to the community recently. The
plant was washed away during the floods earlier this year. 

The rebuilding of the plant will assist to restore water supply in the area after the community has been without a consistent water supply since the plant was washed away. Appointment of the contractor to commence the repair work was delayed due to an objection lodged with the Municipality when construction work was due to begin. The objection
was opposed, and the contractor was recently awarded the letter to begin the work. 

Mayor Kaunda said the Municipality has allocated over R31 million to complete the work. “We are happy that 50 percent of the labour for construction will be procured from within the ward. While this will be predominantly unskilled labour, where available, skilled labour will be utilised as well. At least 10 jobs will be created during the construction period,”
said Mayor Kaunda. He said in addition, preference will be given for materials to be procured from local suppliers, provided the materials meet the required specifications. “A minimum of 10 percent of the contract value will be allocated to women, youth, people with disabilities, and military veteran- owned enterprises,” he added.

simphiwe.dlamini@durban.gov.za