Asimile Siyaqhuba - Five Years of Advancements Towards Quality Water Supply

 

ASIMILE SIYAQHUBA – FIVE YEARS OF ADVANCEMENTS TOWARDS QUALITY WATER SUPPLY

Save Water.

ENSURING an uninterrupted water supply for residents and businesses remains a top priority for the City. Through major infrastructure investments and strategic Council resolutions, the Water and Sanitation Services Directorate has worked tirelessly to keep taps running. Highlighting these transformative efforts that have shaped service delivery during the 2021–2026 term of office is eThekwini Municipality’s Five-Year Service Delivery Milestones campaign being held under the theme Asimile Siyaqhuba: Resilience Through Adversity.

ADAMS K5 AND K6 RESERVOIRS

 The Water Services Directorate successfully upgraded the Adams K5 and K6 Reservoirs in 2022 to improve bulk storage capacity for residents in the Adams Mission area, under Wards 67 and 96. The Adams K5 Reservoir was expanded from two to six megalitres (ML) by constructing an additional 4 ML compartment at the existing reservoir site. Similarly, the Adams K6 Reservoir was significantly upgraded, increasing its capacity from two to 10 ML.

SHONGWENI RESERVOIR

The City successfully commissioned the Shongweni Reservoir in 2023, significantly improving water storage capacity for communities supplied by the facility. The reservoir has a storage capacity of six ML.

MKHIZWANA WATER TREATMENT WORKS

The Mkhizwana Water Treatment Works was upgraded, increasing its design capacity from 1.5 to four ML/day.

NORTHERN WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

The restoration of the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works is progressing well, with a noticeable improvement in the quality of treated effluent being discharged. Technical teams have stabilised operations, with the plant achieving more than 80 percent effluent quality compliance.

 UMBILO AND KWANDENGEZI WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS

There is steady progress on the repair and refurbishment of the Umbilo and KwaNdengezi Wastewater Treatment Works. These plants are among the sanitation infrastructure that sustained significant damage during previous floods, resulting in damage to mechanical, electrical, and civil components. The installation of stormwater pipelines to improve management at both the Umbilo and KwaNdengezi plants is also making significant progress.

NTUZUMA WATER PUMPSTATION

The Ntuzuma Water Pumpstation was recommissioned in December last year. This upgrade enhanced the mechanical and electrical components, increasing performance and reliability. The station now features 15 pumps, including standby units, high-efficiency technology, automated control systems, and real-time monitoring tools.

UMDLOTI WASTEWATER PUMPSTATION

 The Water and Sanitation Directorate has completed critical restoration works on the uMdloti Wastewater Pumpstation. The station was equipped with two new pumps.

Fixing water pipe at Lamontville. 

NORTHERN AQUEDUCT AUGMENTATION PIPELINE

To cater for growing demand in the north, the City commissioned two major infrastructure projects: the construction of a new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation Pipeline and a 600mm diameter water rising main from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir.

 CANELANDS PIPE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

 The City refurbished the Canelands Pipe and Pedestrian Bridge, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery for communities in Verulam.

 

Positive response to new eThekwini App

THE new eThekwini Municipality App has been positively received by residents. Since it was announced in June, the app has been downloaded over 18 000 times, highlighting its immediate popularity. This user-friendly application, spearheaded by the Sizakala Customer Service Centre, is designed to improve residents' lives by providing convenient access to essential services. The app offers a streamlined approach for residents to register complaints and make service requests. This feature promises increased efficiency, transparency, and promptness in addressing the needs of communities. Key to the app's functionality is the directory of all municipal Councillors, enabling residents to identify and contact their local representatives. 

This innovative function aims to foster improved communication between residents and their elected officials, thereby enhancing community engagement. Beyond this, the eThekwini Municipality App offers a diverse range of services, including access to Municipal information, bill viewing, and direct payment options. This streamlined process is anticipated to simplify administrative tasks for residents, contributing to the greater convenience in their daily lives. The app can be downloaded from the Android Play Store for Android users and the Apple Store for iOS users. The App is currently not compatible with Huawei devices. Users of Huawei devices are advised to continue utilising eServices until compatibility is established. 

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Rabies outbreak alert

THERE have been reports of a rabies outbreak in various parts of the Municipality. Recently, a child in the area of Umbumbulu died after being bitten by a rabid dog. The Municipality has since embarked on a vaccination campaign  and is urging all dog and cat owners to bring their pets to a vaccination site in the area. The vaccination drive kicked off in Umbumbulu area on 17 August where the unfortunate incident occurred. 

The primary objective will be to address the issue and prevent further spread of rabies. Spearheading the effort will be the municipality's health teams and state veterinarians from the Department of Agriculture, who will administer rabies vaccinations to pets in the community. Following the operation in Mbumbulu, a municipal-wide campaign will be launched to raise awareness about rabies. This campaign is especially significant as September is recognised as Rabies Awareness Month. Pet owners of dogs and cats are strongly urged to bring their beloved animals for a free rabies vaccination. By taking this proactive step, they can play a crucial role in curbing the transmission of the disease. The main objective of the rabies campaign is to promote understanding and knowledge among residents. It is important for individuals to be aware of the signs of rabies in animals which include fearfulness, aggression, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling and seizures. By recognising these symptoms early on, residents can take appropriate measures to protect both themselves and their pets from the deadly disease. 

Communities can contact their local environmental health office through the city's health unit on 031 311 3555 or they can contact the state vet on 031 322 6192. 

Vaccination schedules will be communicated in the municipality's social media platforms. 

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INK based residents invited to apply for eThekwini / NCI contractor development programme 

TO ENSURE the development of emerging contractors, the National Construction Incubator (NCI), in partnership with eThekwini Municipality, invites interested construction companies to participate in the Construction Incubator Programme. 

The programme aims to promote the sustainable development of small to medium-sized contractors with a view to upskill and improve their CIDB grading designations over a period of up to three years. 

To be eligible to participate in the programme you must: 

• Be residing within the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) areas
• CIDB grades 1-5 
• Historically disadvantaged individuals are encouraged to apply. 

The programme will be categorised as follows: one to two (pre-incubation programme) and three to five (mainstream) for Classes of Construction Works. The programme constitutes of mentorship, training, and skills development support. 

Applications are open until 25 August 2023 at 4pm. 

To download application forms, see the requirements, and to gain a better understanding of the scope of the programme, visit www.natci.org.za or www.durban.gov.za and click on the business tab, then SMME Development, and then the INK incubator page. 

Alternatively, follow this link to download the application form to apply: https://bit.ly/3OmyAT0 

The contractor development advert is also advertised in the latest Metro Ezasegagasini which is accessible at Sizakala Centres and Municipal and Councillors Offices. 

Application forms can also be collected from the INK Incubator Office at 76 Bungezi Road, M-Section, KwaMashu. 

Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli encouraged residents, especially young people, to grab this opportunity. 

Councillor Ntuli said since the INK Incubator was established in 2014, they have worked with the NCI to provide technical support to emerging contractors as well as mentorship and other business management training to increase their competitiveness and compliance. This has assisted contractors when bidding for work and has helped to ensure their sustainability. ''As the City's Economic Development and Planning Committee, we invest millions annually to the programme to ensure the development of local emerging contractors. Our investment is reaping the rewards as 300 contractors that have gone through the programme have gone on to create over 600 jobs and generate a combined revenue of  R15 million per year,'' he said. 

''Currently another intake is completing their three-year Contractor Incubation Programme which is why we are making this call out for new participants. We are confident that the current class is ready for industry and will contribute to job creation and local economic growth,'' Councillor Ntuli added. 

For more information on the programme, contact Samkelo Mahlaba on 068 561 0127 or email smahlaba@natci.org.za.

Alternatively, contact Lungile Ngubane on 031 311 4500 or email Lungile.Ngubane@durban.gov.za. 

 

Municipality condemns vandalism of Durban Transport buses

THE eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) warns the community against stone throwing of buses and the life-threatening consequences of riding on the rear bumper of a moving bus. Durban Transport has been faced with this unbecoming behavior conducted by young adults including school children. In the afternoon, the stoning and bumper riding of buses has become the norm, with uMlazi and Ntuzuma being the most affected areas. Head of the ETA Thami Manyathi warned that damage to any Municipal property is a criminal offence and may lead to prosecution. ''Youngsters are also discouraged from the hazardous act of riding on the back of moving buses. This is a danger to other motorists and can be fatal. The municipality urges parents and the public to assist in stopping this unbecoming behavior that has serious consequences,'' he said. In the past six months, more than 80 buses had to be repaired because of broken windows. This affects the municipality's ability to provide an efficient public transport service while these buses are taken off the road for repairs. In addition, it results in unnecessary costs for Council and affects bus availability. The public should report any incidents they witness to the police, or to the uMlazi Depot on 031 906 2651, the Ntuzuma Depot on 031 504 3421, or eThekwini Transport Authority on 082 268 4185. 

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Exciting prizes up for grabs in the Verge competition

ETHEKWINI residents are reminded and encouraged to participate in this year's Verge Competition and stand a chance of winning great prizes. The competition is open to all residents who reside within the municipal area, but should not be employed by the municipality. The public can enter or nominate homes, businesses, schools, individuals, garden clubs, conservancies, or industrial companies that have the best verges in front of their properties. The competition which started on 1 July will close on 30 September 2022. The prizes include a jojo tank, watering cans, a wheelbarrow, gardening tools and much more. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Municipal website using the link: https://bit.ly/3nCIMdb 

Forms can also obtained from Sizakala Centres, libraries, or they can be requested via email. Completed forms must contain the details of the respective nominator and be submitted with pictures of the verge. They can be returned to Sizakala Centres or libraries. Alternatively, completed forms and pictures can be e-mailed to Nonhlanhla Gumede at nonhlanhla.gumede@durban.gov.za and Thami Mbhele on thami.mbhele@durban.gov.za. Submissions without pictures will not be considered. For more information contact Nonhlanhla Gumede on 031 322 7779 or Thami Mbhele on 031 322 4019. 

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More opportunities for local businesses at #DBF24

NOW in its 24th year, the Durban Business Fair (#DBF24) will yet again present more business opportunities from 20 to 25 September at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre. Themed ''Connecting Durban businesses to opportunities'', the #DBF24 will feature exhibitions, manufacturing pavilion and street market showcasing and trading local products. It will further feature business engagements, masterclasses, an innovation and technology hub and Flavours of Durban. The DBF will take place simultaneously with the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) showcase set to feature pop-up shops selling locally made clothing. SMME Excellence Awards and DFF Recognition Awards will also be hosted to honour and award businesses who have excelled and contributed to local economic growth as well as job creation. Deputy Head for SMME Development in the Municipality Nonku Mthembu, said they are proud of their 24 years of developing, empowering, and creating opportunities for local businesses. She said plans to host a successful exhibition are well underway, adding that additional exhibition spaces have been made available. ''Since inception, the municipality has invested millions in developing businesses through the DBF and over 38 000 businesses have participated in the platform. To date, over 18 500 sustainable jobs have been created through the DBF platform. Out of the participating businesses, many have been elevated to become established businesses,'' explained Mthembu. 

To be part of the DBF exhibition, click on this link to register: https://bit.ly/DBF2022 

To trade at the DBF Street Market as a food vendor, follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/StreetMarketReg2022 

All DBF application forms are obtainable at your nearest Sizakala Centre, at the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry offices, or by emailing zamani.shezi@durban.gov.za or calling 031 311 4500. Badumile Dlamini, founder of Badumile Beads from Umlazi, who makes beads, traditional attires and bags, says she is looking forward to meeting new clients and making more money when she participates in the 2022 DBF in September. She is one of hundreds of Durban businesses that are already registered for the DBF. Dlamini says she is a regular to this business exhibition simply because it is beneficial. ''The platform is a massive exposure for any business I use this to launch whatever new business venture I have. This year I decided to transfer my skill to others and opened a bead training school and I will use DBF to publicise it in order to get more trainees.''