Today, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, officially handed over the completed works of the Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project in the Alfred Duma Local Municipality, uThukela District, KwaZulu-Natal.
Addressing community members, traditional leaders, and government stakeholders at the Ekuvukeni Sportsfield, Minister Hlabisa emphasized the constitutional importance of water as a basic human right.
“Section 27 of the Bill of Rights affirms that every person in South Africa has the right to sufficient water. This right is not negotiable. It is a human right that government must deliver,” he said.
The Ekuvukeni Water Supply Project—implemented by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) and funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG)—marks a significant milestone in addressing long-standing water infrastructure challenges in Wards 30 to 36 of the Alfred Duma Local Municipality. The project benefits over 14,500 households, reaching approximately 75,655 people.
Minister Hlabisa outlined the scope of completed works:
- Over 1.5 km of bulk pipeline and 8.4 km of reticulation pipelines laid
- Installation of 52 valve chambers, 25 communal standpipes, and multiple yard connections
- Partial refurbishment of the Oliphantskop Water Treatment Works and Petronella Booster Pump Station
- Construction of an 8ML steel reticulation tank to enhance water storage capacity
He also highlighted the socio-economic impact of the project:
- Employment of 32 local labourers, with a focus on youth and women
- Appointment of eight local subcontractors through the Project Steering Committee, with contracts exceeding R6.1 million
- Installation of communal standpipes in schools and villages, improving access to clean water
“This project is not just about pipes and pumps. It is about people,” said Minister Hlabisa. “It means that a grandmother in Uitval no longer walks kilometres to fetch water. It means that children in Etholeni go to school with clean uniforms and better health.”
The Minister acknowledged remaining challenges, including:
- Water losses due to leaks and illegal connections, with interventions planned
- Groundwater development, with three production boreholes nearing completion
- Seasonal raw water shortages and limited reservoir capacity
- Funding gaps, with R18 million still required for full system stabilization
To address these issues, a Section 63 intervention agreement was signed on 19 August 2025 between CoGTA, the Department of Water and Sanitation, Umngeni-uThukela Water, and the uThukela District Municipality. This agreement empowers Umngeni-uThukela Water to manage water infrastructure in the district for the next five years.
“This infrastructure was built for you, your children, and generations to come. You must see yourselves as the first line of defense—guarding these facilities against vandalism, theft, and misuse. When you rise together as a united community, you protect what you have and ensure lasting change,” said Minister Hlabisa.
The event was attended by MEC Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi, the Mayor of Alfred Duma Local Municipality, Cllr Sibisi, the Mayor of uThukela District Municipality, Inkosi Shabalala, and representatives from the Department of Water and Sanitation, uThukela District Municipality, Umngeni-uThukela Water, MISA, and local leadership.
Minister Hlabisa concluded by congratulating the Alfred Duma Local Municipality on being selected as a recipient of the Intermediary Cities Grant under the Intermediate City Municipalities (ICM) Programme. This grant supports smaller urban areas in planning and implementing development projects to overcome challenges such as spatial inequality. It also funds infrastructure investments, improves governance and financial management, and promotes sustainable urban development in crucial but often overlooked cities.