Chris Hani District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Lusanda Sizani
Indwe
Ward 15 and 16 of Emalahleni Local Municipality are set to experience a major improvement in water and sanitation services, following the project handover and the introduction of contractors for two multimillion-rand infrastructure projects by Chris Hani District Municipality.
On 25 August, the Executive Mayor, Cllr Lusanda Sizani, officially introduced contractors for two projects to the community and its leadership during a community engagement session at the Indwe Community Hall.
The projects, valued at R18 million for water infrastructure refurbishment and R14 million for sanitation refurbishment, will benefit residents of Mavuya, Manyano, Mzamomhle, Phumlani, Sonwabile and Indwe Town. Construction is expected to run for a period of 8 to 10 months and will create job opportunities for at least 20 local people.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Sizani emphasized the importance of service delivery infrastructure maintenance for efficient service delivery aligned to section 27 of the Bill of rights, and the right to access to clean water.
“We want to see people getting clean drinking water from their taps and their dignity restored through sustainable sanitation systems. Bringing the projects to the community is a sign of municipal accountability and commitment to service delivery. This is a step in the right direction as we are approaching Local Government Elections 2026,” he said.
Emalahleni Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr Nontombizanele Koni, welcomed the projects, noting the urgent need to replace aging infrastructure in line with the growing population.
“The old pipeline was becoming unbearable, especially when we installed paving on our roads. We are happy that this challenge will now be addressed. We look forward to the benefits of improved services and opportunities created by having the contractor on site,” she remarked.
Community members also expressed appreciation but urged that locals with the required skills be prioritized in employment opportunities.
They stressed that local expertise, particularly in dealing with the pipeline network, would help reduce unnecessary service interruptions.
These projects come as part of the commitment made to the people of Indwe during the visit of Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina earlier this year, and now the district is delivering on the commitment.
