By Nangamso Mabindla
7 September 2004

RESIDENTS in the Scenery Park township of Buffalo City were all smiles when the City handed over a R2-million water project to the community on Friday, 3 September.

The project, which started in May this year, aimed to supply 400 residents in Eskom, Scenery Park, with clean water. The residents of Eskom - an extension of Phase 1 - used to get water from their Phase 1 neighbours.

Explaining the process, Eskom resident Lamla Sikhakhana said Scenery Park had been developed in phases and each was at a different stage.

"Because Phases 1, 2 and 3 were developed first they had everything - including electricity and water. We, on the other hand, had to wait a few months to get our own water supply," he said.

Now Eskom will receive water via three water valves, which will also provide residents with water if the Scenery Park Dam runs dry.

The construction company's managing director Allan Granger said these valves were more durable than those used in Phases 1 and 3: "We're happy to be the first people to install these plastic pipes - a major technological advancement." he said.

Buffalo Councillor for Ward 31, Vuyani Holiday, said the development of the project was a great achievement for the municipality.

"Government gave us a mandate to deliver services to our communities. We hope that our people embrace this achievement as it brings water to them and their loved ones," he added.

In addition, the project had also created jobs in the impoverished township: 15 skilled and 60 unskilled residents had been employed.

Bricklayer Nomthunzi Somsam said she was pleased that her skills had been utilised: "I'm happy to have been part of a project aimed at improving our people's lives. One day I'll look back and say that I brought something back to my community."