New pipeline to connect reservoirs at Ngovhela will bring relief to many

From left to right: Cllr Thabelo Munzhedzi, Cllr Samuel Munyai (head of technical services at the VDM), Executive Mayor of VDM Freda Nkondo (with the pick), and Mr Aluwani Ramasha (contractor at HTE Construction)

20-02-2024
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Zoutnet
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A pipeline that connects the Vondo water plant to two reservoirs near Ngovhela village is expected to bring much-needed relief to the local communities once finished.

The R84.5million project was handed over to the contractors last Thursday (8th). The official handover ceremony was held at the Tshivhase Tribal Council and attended by dignitaries such as Thovhele Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase, other traditional leaders, and councillors.

The main contractor appointed to do the work is HTE Construction, and the work is expected to be completed by September 2025. The executive mayor of the Vhembe District Municipality (VDM), Freda Nkondo, said the construction of the pipeline would benefit 19,955 households, and during the 18 months of construction, roughly 30 job opportunities would be created.

The budget for the construction of the pipeline was set at R84,437,296.08. The villages to benefit from the project include Mbilwi, Tshifura, Tshivhulani A and B, Lufule, Tshikweta, Tshabvuma, Mavhunda, Gokolo, Siambe/Tshitwamaranzhe, Makononi, Bunzhe, Tshififi, Ragwali, Maboho, Tshitanini, Makwarela A, Extensions 3 and 4, Maungani West A and B, Marude, Thohoyandou units C and D, and others.

Nkondo appealed to the community to cooperate with the contractor, so that the project could be completed on time. “I further request that the project should be protected from vandalism. If you vandalise the water infrastructure yourself, you should know that we as the district municipality will not be held responsible for it.”

Nkondo warned the contractor that they, as the water-services authority, would not tolerate any kind of shoddy work and that contractors who did not keep to the deadlines would never be awarded a contract with them again. Thovhele Tshivhase promised to commit himself to monitoring the progress of the project.

He said that the provision of water was key to his communities and that they therefore needed to work together for the development of their communities. He added that they as traditional leaders were excited that temporary jobs would be given to some of the residents from the area during the construction phase and that they would have clean, drinkable water as soon as the project was completed.

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