Caption: (From left to right) ; Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma, Minister Nkadimeng, and District Mayor Mngomezulu
By Kopano Dibakwane
The communities residing in Wards 9 and 19 at Embalenhle Township, under the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, received a fully equipped sewer pump station which was officially handed over by the Minister of COGTA(Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs), Thembi Nkadimeng.
The provision of the pump station has reportedly benefitted over 12 000 households and created at least 21 local job opportunities, as well as empowering some Small Medium and Micro Enterprises(SMME’s), as a result of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant(MIG).
Minister Nkadimeng said that the project will positively address the challenge of water, electricity and sanitation provision in Embalenhle and surrounding areas.
She attributed the success of the project to prior fruitful engagement between COGTA and the municipality, in an attempt to introduce means to develop the communities and address the three major challenges of roads, water and electricity.
“ We came together as national, provincial and local government to device means and ways to improve the lives of the population under Govan Mbeki Local Municipality and address the challenges they are facing. We are happy that the money we have raised together has yielded good results.
“ An additional R20 million has been approved and transferred by COGTA into the municipality to address other challenges which include adding another pump station, in implementing phase 2 of the project as part of planning ahead to address the growth of the population as a result of migration. We will continue to support our municipalities in addressing the challenges facing the local residents,” said Nkadimeng.
The Minister emphasised that she will continue to monitor the progress of the forthcoming projects, in ensuring that the municipality lives up to its promise of providing quality services to the local population.
The Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District Municipality, Walter Mngomezulu and the Executive Mayor at Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, Nhlakanipho Zuma, were some of the dignitaries who accompanied Minister Nkadimeng during the official handing over ceremony.
