Durban — The Harry Gwala District Municipality has been hailed by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Obed Bapela for the manner in which it has handled its water infrastructure projects.
This was during Bapela’s visit to the district as part of the Eastern Development Seaboard on Wednesday.
The project, which started on October 29, 2021, and is aimed at helping communities to access clean water, is expected to be completed on December 15.
Bapela, who was at Summerfield to see the water project, said this was a sign that the municipality could handle bigger projects.
“Let me start by saying I am here at Summerfield to see the water project. If you are building a big city and a smart city, obviously the biggest investment must be in infrastructure.
“I have seen with this project that when they get money as a district, they really do use it correctly; it is an insurance that even when a big investment comes, you are sure it is in good hands and good leadership. The projects start and finish on time,” he said.
He added that Cogta wanted Harry Gwala to be a contributor of electricity in particular.
“We had investors pledging last year to invest in seaboard development. We are now proposing to Harry Gwala District to say where they want to put the plant, so that this district can supply electricity to other municipalities so that other communities can have access to electricity,” said Bapela.
He pointed out that the main issue was service delivery to the people, hence his visit to discuss how development could be driven.
District municipality mayor Zamo Nxumalo said the hydropower electric project which would be undertaken with the local municipality, would assist the district.
“We are looking forward to it as it will help our people access electricity, and we can sell power to other districts. Umzimkhulu can have access to clean, drinkable water. This is part of Operation Siyahlola, to see how funds received are used,” said Nxumalo.
Daily News