South Africa Government

07/18/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/18/2023 05:49

Minister Senzo Mchunu assess refurbished Darvill WWTWs and sod-turning uMgungundlovu District, 21 Jul

Minister Mchunu to assess the newly refurbished Darvill WWTWs and turn a sod for upgrades of Vulindlela bulk water project in the uMgungundlovu District.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu will be in KwaZulu-Natal on Friday, 21 July 2023, to turn a sod for the start of upgrades of Phase 1 of the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, a mega water supply project situated in the west of Pietermaritzburg, in uMgungundlovu District.

The project will upon completion provide safe drinking water to thousands of communities in the Umngeni and Msunduzi Local Municipalities and surrounding areas in the district.

Ahead of the sod-turning, Minister Mchunu, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is also expected to inspect the nearby newly refurbished Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs) which recently underwent a R1-billion face-lift. The Plant is among the first in the country to recycle wastewater into potable water and is also equipped to generate its own electricity thus contributing to energy reduction.

The event will culminate in a public engagement, at Vulindlela's Taylor's Halt Sports Ground, where members of the community will ventilate their service delivery issues.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event follows:

Site one: Oversight inspection of the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Plant
Time: 09:00 (Media doorstop)
Venue: Darvill Wastewater Treatment Plant, Sobantu village

Site two: Sod turning ceremony
Time: 11:45- 12:15
Venue: Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, Mpophomeni

Site three: Community engagement
Time: 12:45- 15:00
Venue: Taylor's Halt Sports Ground, Vulindlela

Transport for the media will be provided, leaving the Durban Playhouse at 7am on Friday, 21 July 2023.

For media accreditations and confirmations please contact Ms Lebogang Maseko on 083 661 7859/ [email protected](link sends e-mail) or Mr Siyabonga Maphumulo on 082 303 4243/ [email protected](link sends e-mail)

For more information, contact Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935 or uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson Shami Harichunder on 078 410 8592.