Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says that the R23 billion uMkhomazi Water Project has been resuscitated, after being delayed for several years.
Mchunu made the announcement on Tuesday during a media briefing held in Durban. He gave an update on water security in eThekwini and other districts, particularly Phase I of the uMkhomazi Water Project.
Mchunu said the uMkhomazi Water Project will increase water security in the uMngeni Water Supply System which supplies eThekwini, uMgungundlovu, iLembe, Ugu, Harry Gwala District Municipalities and Msunduzi Local Municipality.
The minister said this represents progress after a number of meetings with the Ministers of Finance, Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), and eThekwini Mayor.
He explained that the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a state-owned entity charged with financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects, will implement the raw water component of the project, while the potable water component will be implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water.
“This means that, the ball is now in eThekwini’s court to start consultations and complete them as soon as possible so that the project can really start without any further delays. These consultations will also enable TCTA to start raising 50% of the finance required for the project on the market,” Mchunu added.
According to the minister, the remaining 50% will be funded by National Treasury, through a 25% loan to the TCTA and a 25% grant.
He further noted that the contribution to the project from the fiscus enables the water that will be provided to be affordable to the municipalities.
“We now want TCTA to proceed with planning and design work right away so that construction can start as soon as possible in 2024 / 2025,” Mchunu said.
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