KNYSNA NEWS - Rheenendal residents are set to see significant improvements to their local infrastructure, with the launch of two major projects aimed at enhancing roads and water supply in the area.
Ward 5 Councillor Hilton Stroebel and Knysna Mayor Thando Matika announced at a public meeting on 6 November that the municipality will upgrade gravel roads and implement phase one of the Rheenendal bulk water supply project.
Both initiatives, funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, are designed not only to improve service delivery but also to boost local economic opportunities.
"The gravel roads upgrade project is valued at R12m," said Matika. "Six gravel roads will be paved with durable concrete blocks, benefiting 1 899 households by improving access, safety, and resilience against weather conditions."
Importantly, 25% of the project's value will be allocated to local exempted micro-enterprises (EMEs) registered with the municipality, ensuring that small businesses within Rheenendal directly benefit from the work.
Phase one of the Rheenendal bulk water supply upgrade will strengthen the area's water infrastructure and secure a reliable, sustainable supply for 2 352 households.
"Budgeted at just under R16.5m, the project includes improvements to the extraction weir on the Homtini River, refurbishment of the steel rising main, construction of a new raw water storage tank, and drilling of additional boreholes," Matika explained.
As with the road upgrade, 25% of the water project's value is earmarked for local EMEs, supporting job creation and the growth of small-scale contractors.
"These initiatives reflect our ongoing commitment not only to improving basic services, but also to creating economic opportunities within the community," he said.
Contractors appointed for both projects were introduced to residents to ensure transparency and foster collaboration. "We look forward to working together with these contractors and the Rheenendal community as we uplift local infrastructure, stimulate the economy, and improve quality of life," Matika said.
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