The MEC for the department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Minister for Water and Sanitation Nomvula Mokonyane and Deputy Ms Pamela Tswete today, officially opened the 10 megalitre Richardsbay Desalination Plant, which provide relief to thousands of residents within the Mhlathuze Local Municipality.
The plant which cost R300 Million is the first of its kind in the province and is a result of the drought that has decimated water reserves across the province. Its construction took seven months and created 152 job opportunities.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony for this plant, Minister Mokonyane said that no expenses would be spared in government’s effort to ensure that citizens have access to proper drinking water, even as the country grapples with a severe drought. “This plant is a symbol of hope for communities as it reflects our willingness to think outside of the box in order to meet the needs of our communities. We know how much water means to our suffering communities and the positive impact its availability creates for the business community” said Mokonyane.
This desalination plant is a giant leap and it diversifies the sources of water within this Municipality.
Municipalities in the province will continue to receive support in the implementation of drought relief programmes from the department of Cogta under the leadership of MEC Dube-Ncube.
“As the provincial government we are really happy with the level of support that we have received from the national government in the implementation of this project alongside others such as the roll out of water tankers and expansion of water schemes to mitigate the impact of this drought” said Dube-Ncube.
ENDS