Andile Moshoeshoe
MORE than 34 rural villages of Umzimkhulu have benefitted from a water project unveiled this week by the Harry Gwala District Municipality.
The Mnqumeni Water Supply Scheme has been described as a major step in infrastructure development, delivering clean and reliable water to 4 364 households and benefitting approximately 17 456 residents.
The municipality said that the project is still ongoing, and upon completion, it will be a significant milestone towards the municipality’s ongoing commitment to improving access to basic services, restoring dignity to communities, and strengthening rural development.
Implemented in phases between 2019 and May 2026, the Mnqumeni Water Supply Scheme includes the construction of a 7-megalitre-per-day water treatment plant on the Ibisi River, bulk water supply infrastructure, reservoirs, pump stations and more than 200km of pipeline network.
At the unveiling ceremony of the water supply project on Wednesday this week, Harry Gwala District Municipality mayor Zamo Nxumalo alongside local councillors, government representatives and municipal officials joined the occasion marked by jubilant celebrations with renowned artists.
Addressing the community during the handover ceremony, Mayor Nxumalo revealed that nearly 15 contractors had worked on the project since its inception, highlighting the complexity and persistence required to bring it to completion.
He emphasised that the era of empty promises and political rhetoric was coming to an end, stating that communities were now witnessing tangible development and practical service delivery on the ground.
He further said that the project represents a turning point for many rural communities that have struggled with water shortages for years, although the project is still ongoing as most of its work is completed, but some phases are not completed.
“The completion of the Mnqumeni Water Supply Scheme is more than an infrastructure achievement, but is crucial to restoration of dignity and hope for the people,” he said. Since communities will now have access to clean water closer to their homes, Nxumalo said this investment demonstrates the municipality’s commitment to improve lives, strengthen public health and build sustainable communities.
The municipality said the scheme will also strengthen the district’s bulk water supply system, improving resilience against drought conditions and reducing service delivery interruptions in affected communities.
