By Charmaine Ndlela
More than 120 households across eight farms in Donkerhoek, near Mkhondo, now have access to running water following the completion of the second phase of a water infrastructure project funded by Kangra Coal through its Social and Labour Plan (SLP).
The project was officially handed over to the community on Tuesday, together with agricultural and household food garden initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening food security.
Government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders toured the project during the handover ceremony and received a briefing on its implementation and impact.
The project includes the installation of water storage tanks and a piped reticulation network supplying clean running water directly to households.
For residents, the initiative has significantly improved daily living conditions.
“We no longer complain amongst ourselves about water. We all have water for bathing, the water is flowing and I’m very happy. My spirit is uplifted,” said Thuthukani Farm resident Katrina Dlamini.
Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Phumzile Mgcina said the project demonstrated the intended impact of government’s Social and Labour Plan programme, which requires mining companies to contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in host communities.
“We must celebrate that, working together with government and the mining industry, we can improve the lives of our people in our communities,” Mgcina said.
“Today we are witnessing the practical meaning of partnership, the practical meaning of development and the true purpose of Social and Labour Plans.”
She said mining companies should implement projects that continue benefiting communities long after mining operations have ceased.
“There is a lot that the department is doing to uplift communities, including skills development. We are providing skills because skills will sustain your life. Even when the mine is no longer around, people will still be able to survive,” she said.
Mgcina said communities should be equipped to become self-sufficient through investments in infrastructure, skills development and economic opportunities.
“Even if the mine closes or relocates, the community must not starve. We now have water, and people have gained jobs and opportunities that can support them into the future,” she said.
Deputy Minister David Mahlobo commended Kangra Coal for implementing its Social and Labour Plan commitments and thanked community leaders for working with the company to ensure the successful delivery of the projects.
Mahlobo said the initiatives had created employment opportunities while equipping community members with skills that could enable them to establish sustainable businesses.
INSIDE METROS
