R41m boost for Kurland water supply

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A state-of-the-art R41m infrastructure upgrade to Kurland's Water Treatment Works has officially been introduced and integrated into the community, and is set to benefit more than 12 000 residents.

In a statement following the official opening of the facility on Friday 14 August, Bitou Municipality said the project brings it one step closer to realising its vision of delivering thousands of housing opportunities to residents of the Kurland community.

The infrastructure investment is aimed at supporting future development in the area. The upgraded facility provides additional capacity, allowing borehole water and water from the Wit River to also be treated.

The works comprised two key components: a R12m civil engineering component and a R30m mechanical and electrical component.

Funding was secured through a partnership between the Department of Water and Sanitation and Bitou Municipality. The municipality received R8m through the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant and contributed about R34m from its own resources.

Bitou Mayor and Ward 1 councillor Jessica Kamkam expressed her excitement at the successful completion of the project. She was joined by Deputy Mayor Nokuzola Kolwapi, Council Speaker Mavis Busakwe, Community Services and Engineering Portfolio Chairperson Annelise Olivier and Cllr Dave Swart.

Kamkam said the commissioning was about more than opening a new facility. "It is about strengthening our capacity as a municipality to provide reliable, quality water services to our residents while creating opportunities for future development in Kurland," she said.

The planning had begun in 2020, while the facility was commissioned in June this year to ensure all systems were functioning before the official handover.

Kamkam said the project demonstrated that effective planning, co-ordination and financial discipline can deliver infrastructure that transforms communities.

The municipality said the investment demonstrates its commitment to infrastructure-led development, improved service delivery and sustainable opportunities for Kurland residents.

A proud moment for Kurland and Bitou: The acting director of engineering, Marinus Meiring, Cllr Dave Swart, Cllr Annelise Olivier, Cllr Nokuzola Kolwapi, Mayor Jessica Kamkam, Speaker Cllr Mavis Busakwe, Wayne Malgas, Xolisa Pakade, Ronald Tarentaal and the manager, Tumi Liwani.