JOHNATHAN PAOLI
THE eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, unveiled a new R28 million water reservoir in Shongweni during a media briefing on Friday.
In line with Women’s Month, Mayor Kaunda, highlighted the disproportionate burden water shortages hold on women over men in finding practical alternatives to water shortages.
“When there’s a water shortage, it’s predominantly women and girls who shoulder the responsibility of water collection. Enhanced access to water services means these women can redirect their energies towards more productive activities, such as education and economic empowerment,” Kaunda remarked.
In the aftermath of the floods of April 2022, Kaunda praised the swift response by the metro in repairing and restoring infrastructure and the water supply to communities affected by the damage.
The mayor announced that 115 water and sanitation projects have been approved, with funding by a R200 million flood relief grant from the National Treasury.
This follows on increasing completion of projects by the government to ramp up development, maintenance and repair in the region’s infrastructure.
Recent completed projects by the metro include repair works in the sewer main in Peace Palm, Phoenix, and the Mega City sewer line and a reported mending of 114 access roads, costing R23.6 million.
The mayor further listed the reopening of the R106 Umbumbulu Road in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Transport, a crucial alternative route in relieving traffic congestion; as well as the city’s plans for the beachfront, which will soon see upmarket developments as part of the Proactive Land Release Strategy.
Kaunda said that he viewed the completion of the projects as significant proof of investor confidence in the metro’s rebuilding ability.
INSIDE METROS