By Staff Reporter
GIYANI -The project to connect water to 1106 households in Homu 14A is on track, and set to be completed way before the start of the summer season.
The Mopani District Municipality is implementing the water reticulation project in Homu14A, which is located about 10 kilometres east of Giyani town. The project forms part of the Giyani Water Project which is meant to supply water to the people of Greater Giyani Municipality.
And while the community is currently getting water supply from the Giyani Water Works, it has not been adequate due to infrastructure deficiency and illegal connections on the bulk line. The completion of the project will ensure that the entire community benefits from the bulk water supply.
The project which is worth R29 million was launched in December last year with the work commencing this year. Progress is already at 68 per cent and should be completed long before the January 2024 deadline.
The contractor has already covered 32km of the 37km new reticulation network. The work to refurbish the 5,3 km old reticulation is also complete. The project also entails the construction of metered yard connections to 1106 households, and so far connections to 612 households have been completed.
Local businesses are also benefiting from this project. At least eleven SMMEs have been appointed to support the work of the main contractor. It has also created 56 work opportunities as part of the expanded public works programme (EPWP).
“I’m satisfied with the progress I have seen since I started working on this project. It is also clear to me that as a resident of 14A, we will also have water once this project is complete. We will no longer have to push wheelbarrows. We are also paid what we have been promised,” said the 24-year-old Khanyisa Mosiya who is working as a labourer on the project.
Dzunisani Maluleke also echoed the words of Khanyisa, saying “I’m happy to be working, and I can see the project is bringing positive change to the community. We are receiving water for the first time even in areas of the village where we were not receiving water before. We are also paid on time.”
The work to reticulate water to the households at Homu14B is also continuing with progress recorded at over 20 per cent so far.
