Reducing non-revenue water in the city 

THE CITY is rolling out a non-revenue water educational and awareness campaign, in collaboration with Umngeni-uThukela, to encourage the public to conserve water. 

The campaign kicked off at the Workshop Shopping Centre and in the Warwick Market on 14 February where the public was educated about the negative impact of non-revenue water as well as being encouraged to conserve water. 

Non-revenue water is produced, clean water which is lost somewhere in the water distribution system and never reaches its final destination. This means water that is not used or paid for. This affects the City's revenue and available resources. 

EThekwini Municipality is facing the global challenge of water scarcity and is grappling with dwindling available water resources that are unable to meet the current demands. 

Currently, the Municipality faces the high non-revenue water with a ratio of 56.7 percent. This is attributed to ageing and vandalism of infrastructure and illegal water connections. This results in water supply not being shared equitably among residents. 

The City urges the public to save water and to use it sparingly to avoid a drought in the future. The public is encouraged to report leaks timeously and to report any vandalism and illegal connections. 

The Municipality has assembled a team to formulate a plan and implement strategic interventions to reduce non-revenue water to acceptable levels. Remedial action includes pipe replacement, installation of pressure reducing valves, reservoir inlet and outlet metering, investigation of properties with zero consumption, and the installation of meters in informal settlements. Some of these interventions are already underway and are starting to bear tangible results. 

  siphelele.buthelezi@durban.gov.za 

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Hope restored for Stonebridge residents 

As part of water restoration efforts in Phoenix, Ward 39, a team from the City's Water and Sanitation Construction Branch is hard at work upgrading the 

existing asbestos pipes to MPVC pipes. 

This aims to improve water quality and pressure and as well as reduce frequent burst pipes. 

The project started in 2021 and is expected to be completed by December. The project covers 20 783km. The size of the pipelines being laid range from 200 diameters to 75mm MPVC, and 50mm to 25mm high density polyethylene pipes feeding from the Phoenix Reservoir 1.

The allocated budget for this project is R20 million, funded by the Urban Settlement Development Grant. 

This project consists of an internal team of 50, and 13 people from the community employed as general workers. 

Project Manager Thokozani Madonsela said the project is being solely run by the Water and Sanitation Unit. 

The Unit is working with the Roads and Stormwater Department to rehabilitate excavated roads and sidewalks during the pipe laying process. 

     lethiwe.ngcobo@durban.gov.za 

Construction of Takealot Distribution Centre Set to Bolster KZN Economy

 

By Fred Felton | Feb. 24, 2024.

The new state-of-the-art Distribution Centre for Takealot in KwaZulu-Natal was launched by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda on 22 February 2024.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda speaking at the launch of the Takealot Distribution Centre for KZN. Photo: Thuli Dlamini / EThekwini Municipality 

This Distribution Centre can be found within The Brickworks – a 157-hectare business and logistics park being developed by Investec Property at the old Corobrik factory site.

Takealot Group’s investment for its Distribution Centre at The Brickworks is set to create thousands of jobs.

The Brickworks Development, which is a catalytic project, has received enthusiastic support from eThekwini as it’s geared to transform the area into a leading logistics hub for Africa and will play a key role in optimising the supply chain potential of KZN.

The site has been strategically designed to fuel a more connected economy for the country, and driving direct growth for KZN.

‘’The Brickworks is one of our most pivotal logistics and distribution hubs for South Africa. This is the story of value creation and commitment to future value creation from two of our country’s top companies. It confirms that the business and logistics park will be an economic enabler, not only for our region but for the broader South African market,’’ said Mayor Kaunda.

This will be an area of exponential future growth for the country. It’s estimated that over 20 000 jobs will be created through phase I, II and III of The Brickworks, according to independent development researcher, analyst and facilitator Dr Jeffrey McCarthy.  

According to Investec Property’s joint-CEO David Rosmarin a collaborative partnership through the City’s innovative ‘One Stop’ Catalytic Project Unit has helped them unlock this strategic site.

‘’The Brickworks’ prime location will enable it to boost the flow of Southern African trade through the region,’’ added Investec Property’s joint-CEO David Rosmarin.

Phase one of the Takealot Distribution Centre will encompass approximately 43 000 square metres, with an additional 20 000 square metres reserved for future expansion. The Distribution Centre is also being constructed with the environment in mind. There will be environmental and energy-saving technologies to ensure sustainability.

‘’As a proudly South African business, our investment into KZN reflects our vision of enabling the economy, by enabling South Africans through job creation and market access for SMEs. We believe the socio-economic impact will be significant in boosting the potential of the province and its people,’’ said Takealot Group’s Executive Chairperson Mamongae Mahlare.

According to Takealot Group’s Executive Chairperson Mamongae Mahlare the new facility will allow for same-day and next-day delivery and collect capabilities for Takealot shoppers living in and around KZN.

Mayor Kaunda also noted that the Brickworks and the proposed Caneridge residential development, along with Northfields being developed by JT Ross, forms part of a 350-hectare Avoca Nodal Development, a catalytic project within eThekwini.

Mayor Kaunda also noted that, ‘’in partnership with the Municipality these three precincts will receive funding for portions of the bulk infrastructure for the development of the node. Investment of R10.1 billion by the private sector in Ward 110 is expected to provide 51 500 construction job opportunities and 19 000 opportunities in operations for the next 15 years.’’

Construction for the KZN Takealot Distribution Centre is planned for completion in July 2024 with operations expected to commence by October 2024.

Win Tickets to the Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair

 

For those of you interested in renovations, decorations or creativity the annual Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair returns to the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre from 1 to 3 March for their 30^th anniversary.

Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair 1 - 3 March. | Photo: Supplied.

You can expect over 300 exhibitors with a wide range of home and home improvement treasures, building materials, furniture and so much more, under one roof.

‘’We are absolutely thrilled to mark our 30^th anniversary. Over the years, we’ve explored various categories, but we’ve consistently found our true passion and core strength in the Home Improvement (HIP) industry. Delivering the best in home improvement is our forte,’’ said Hestelle Robinson,’’ CEO of HOMEMAKERS.

For the 2024 event exhibitors have been grouped into distinct halls.

You can find the Experiential Pavilion on Level 3, Hall A which will offer products that engage all of your senses. This will also be where you can find The Eatery, a hall filled with artisanal foods and wines.

Hall B, Level 2 will be dedicated to soft furnishings and interior décor exhibitions. You will also find Hall C with a variety of stands and smaller bespoke products.

Hall D on the ground floor is where you will find experts in the latest home improvement and renovation trends.

Food lovers look out for the Gourmet Circle where a delicious array of tasty foods and food trucks await you. There will also be live music and comfortable seating available.

On the Viewing Deck you can find the Ask the Experts Arena. This is where you can find free advice from industry experts.

The Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre is an exceptional venue for this event and is conveniently located in the Midrand area for easy access from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Useful info:

Show dates: 1 to 3 March 2024

Show times: Fri 10h00 – 18h00 | Sat & Sun 09h00 – 18h00

Tickets from www.homemakersonline.co.za/jhbfair/ or from TIXSA www.tixsa.co.za

Entrance:

Adults: R120 | Pensioners R60 | Scholars: R20 | Besties’ Pass R180 – 2 Adults Friday & Online Tickets Only | Weekend Pass R240 | Family Pass R250 – 2 Adults & 2 Children

Parking: R20

Venue: Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit & International Convention Centre, CNR R55 & Allandale Rd, Kyalami Estate, Midrand

For more information call 086 111 4663 or email expo@homemakers-sa.co.za

Win Tickets To The Show

The good folks at Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair have given us tickets just for you.

10 lucky people can each win double tickets to the show.

All you have to do is email info@purplepine.co.za and put Umhlanga Life in the subject line.

Please remember to give your name, contact details and email address and you could win 2 tickets to the show.

Good luck!

Ts and Cs: Winners get 2 x double tickets. No transport provided.