Nondabuya, Jozini Local Municipality: The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has announced an investigation into the R151 million Nondabuya water scheme. This project was intended to deliver water to 2,400 households within the Jozini Local Municipality but has failed to meet its objectives.
Today, during a fact-finding mission in Ward 19, MEC Buthelezi met with over 1,000 residents who have not benefitted from the project. Residents expressed their hardships, with Victor Mpontshane urging the MEC to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the reasons behind the project’s failure. Thokozani Mkhwamubi shared a tragic story of a 9-year-old boy who drowned in kwaShukela, highlighting the severe impact of the water shortage on the community.
MEC Buthelezi responded to these concerns by committing to a thorough investigation into the utilisation of the funds. He noted that only 700 households currently have access to water, which is less than 30% of the intended beneficiaries, with the whole budget for the project having been spent already. The project, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and executed by the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, has not achieved its goals.
“It is unacceptable that such an investment has not yielded the intended results. We will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind this failure and take appropriate action to rectify the situation,” stated MEC Buthelezi. He also indicated that the investigation could lead to criminal prosecution where necessary.
Additionally, MEC Buthelezi directed disaster management teams to provide all necessary support to the family of the deceased child, including burial assistance.
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