27 August 2007

By Ken Mchunu

WORK is to begin soon in Phoenix, Umlazi, Woodlands, Alverstone and Tongaat on the first phase of a R550-million project to replace the ageing water system across eThekwini.

The project is expected to save the city R64-million a year in water that is being lost because of leaking pipes. The Water and Sanitation Department project was initially expected to be completed by 2012. However, efforts are being made to complete it two years earlier.

The project involves replacing concealed water mains and pipes that have reached the end of their economic life. Alan Kee, Project Executive, said the new system would be strong, flexible and longlasting.

This, he said, would mean less water interruptions and leaks from burst pipes. Leaks account for 8% of eThekwini's water consumption. The project would also reduce maintenance costs, and result in less damage to property and fewer traffic disruptions from burst water pipes and other problems, Kee said.

About 20 000 job opportunities would be created and small companies would be trained and mentored by the main contractors. New technology would be used to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Kee said: "Total water outages are only likely in certain areas when we switch to a new system from an existing one after work is completed."

Once work is completed in the first five areas, Kwa-Mashu, Chatsworth, Wentworth, Mobeni, Emoyeni Grange and Jan Roz would follow.

Kee said it was likely other municipalities would also start pipe replacement projects, once eThekwini had proven the scheme's worth.

Derek Naidoo, Deputy City Manager of the Procurement and Infrastructure cluster, said the project was starting in areas that were reservoir zones, which had been identified as first priority.

Naidoo said local labour was being used as required by Council policy for all developmental projects. "The project will create opportunities for local companies and small, medium and micro enterprises.

"We have finalised selection criteria for emerging companies that will be part of the construction process and we are ready to start," he said.

Source: Durban.gov.za