KZN Legislature welcomes progress on Lower uMkhomazi Dam project to boost water security
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature and uMngeni-uThukela Water during an oversight visit of the Lower uMzimkhulu Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
Image: KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has expressed optimism about the progress of the Lower uMkhomazi Dam Project, saying it will provide long-term relief to water-strained municipalities across the province.
During an oversight visit hosted by uMngeni-uThukela Water on Thursday, committee members received an update on the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
The chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Marlaine Nair during the committee's inspection of the progress of the construction of the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project which includes the construction of a new dam in Ngwadini.
Image: KwaZulu-Natal Legislature
The project includes construction of a new dam at Ngwadini in the Ugu District Municipality and the Goodenough Abstraction Works under the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
COGTA Portfolio Committee chairperson Marlaine Nair said the progress was encouraging, particularly as water shortages continue to affect municipalities in the province.
“The issue of water availability is a major challenge for many municipalities in KZN, including eThekwini. We have been reassured by uMngeni-uThukela Water that after initial delays, this project is now back on track. We will continue to work with the water board and provide oversight to ensure completion,” she said.
The Lower uMkhomazi project will be implemented in two phases. Phase one focuses on the raw water component through the Ngwadini Dam and the Goodenough Abstraction system. Phase two involves the construction of a 100-megalitre-per-day water treatment plant.
The Goodenough Abstraction Works, located on the banks of the uMkhomazi River, is expected to supply an additional 130 megalitres of water daily to the Ugu District and eThekwini Municipality, significantly strengthening water security in both regions.
The Ngwadini Dam, designed as an off-channel storage facility, forms a critical part of the raw water supply system. Once completed, the Lower uMkhomazi Dam Project is expected to deliver lasting water relief to several municipalities across KwaZulu-Natal.