Water insecurity in Komani is set to become a thing of the past when the R546-million Xonxa bulk water transfer project comes on line at the end of next month.
Water restrictions and cuts will come to an end when the Xonxa Dam starts flowing into Komani, said Chris Hani district municipality (CHDM) spokeswoman Thobeka Mqamelo yesterday.
“Water from the Xonxa will ensure consistent operations for businesses and fewer or even complete revocation of water restrictions and cuts,” Mqamelo said.
The Xonxa dam, a project built under the former homelands separate development policy, will soon be supplying water to 190723 people in 18463 households in Komani and surrounding areas.
Mqamelo said: “The project started in 2011 after severe drought began plaguing Komani, the economic hub of Chris Hani district municipality.”
She said the pressure on the water supply was increased by the population growth, which had outstripped the capacity of their main supply dam, Bonkolo.
“The dam has been sitting at around 12% for a year now. Komani area, including Ezibeleni, relies on the Waterdown dam 40km away. Waterdown must also service Whittlesea and Sada area,” she said.
The multiyear Xonxa project was finally commissioned in 2014 and is currently estimated to have cost R546-million (including VAT).
It is implemented in six phases due to staggered annual funding allocations.
She set out the phases of the development:
- Phase one – construction of a pumping station;
- Phase two – manufacturing and supply of coated and lined steel pipes;
- Phase three – installation of pumping main line;
- Phase four – installation of the gravity main;
- Phase five – mechanical and electrical installation; and
- Phase six – establishing bulk water supply for the Machibini and Ilinge villages near Xonxa Dam.
Mqamelo said the bulk infrastructure has been completed and phase five would see water being delivered to Komani residents.
The commissioning of the project would be followed by a full-scale pumping of water, which would bring relief to all beneficiaries, including businesses.
She added: “The project completion was delayed to the end of March 2018 due to a contractual dispute with the subcontractor that was responsible for constructing the bar-strainer chamber.” — thembiles@dispatch.co.za
R546m project to put end to Komani water troubles
Water restrictions and cuts will come to an end when the Xonxa Dam starts flowing into Komani, said Chris Hani district municipality (CHDM) spokeswoman Thobeka Mqamelo yesterday.
“Water from the Xonxa will ensure consistent operations for businesses and fewer or even complete revocation of water restrictions and cuts,” Mqamelo said.
The Xonxa dam, a project built under the former homelands separate development policy, will soon be supplying water to 190723 people in 18463 households in Komani and surrounding areas.
Mqamelo said: “The project started in 2011 after severe drought began plaguing Komani, the economic hub of Chris Hani district municipality.”
She said the pressure on the water supply was increased by the population growth, which had outstripped the capacity of their main supply dam, Bonkolo.
“The dam has been sitting at around 12% for a year now. Komani area, including Ezibeleni, relies on the Waterdown dam 40km away. Waterdown must also service Whittlesea and Sada area,” she said.
The multiyear Xonxa project was finally commissioned in 2014 and is currently estimated to have cost R546-million (including VAT).
It is implemented in six phases due to staggered annual funding allocations.
She set out the phases of the development:
Mqamelo said the bulk infrastructure has been completed and phase five would see water being delivered to Komani residents.
The commissioning of the project would be followed by a full-scale pumping of water, which would bring relief to all beneficiaries, including businesses.
She added: “The project completion was delayed to the end of March 2018 due to a contractual dispute with the subcontractor that was responsible for constructing the bar-strainer chamber.” — thembiles@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos