Facilities built for rural villages
By Tabisa Mntengwana
01 December 2009
THREE projects were launched in Zinyoka and Bonke by the infrastructure department last week.
They include sanitation projects in both villages, and a bridge between Bonke and Zwelitsha. Zinyoka’s sanitation project was opened on 26 November. The ablution facilities, built for over 800 households, were completed in mid-October.
Speaking at the event, Executive Mayor Zukisa Faku said: “The City is happy that the people of Zinyoka welcomed these ablution facilities and have worked together with the contractors in making this project a success.”
It was always a pleasure to see people delighted at receiving municipal services, she added. Some 123 local men and women were employed at the development, which cost the municipality more than R6-million.
On the same day, the construction of a pedestrian bridge between Bonke and Zwelitsha was handed over. Spanning 58 metres over the Buffalo River, it will provide a safe way across the river for the people of Bonke, Zwelitsha, Ngxwalana and surrounding areas.
The concrete and steel bridge will cost at least R2-million to build. Speaking at Bonke, Faku said: “Bonke residents have been waiting for this bridge for a long time.”
In the last 30 years, 10 people had died crossing the river. “For generations to come this bridge should save lives of the young and old.”
In addition, 288 ablution facilities for each household were also constructed in Bonke. Work began at the end of October, and 50 local adults and youth were employed on the project.
Funds of R19-million for it came from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant.
The visits to these projects ended with a tour of the Mdantsane Road Upgrade, Reeston Electrical Substation and Duncan Village Road Upgrade on Friday, 27 November.
Speaking at the NU10 road construction site, the portfolio head for engineering, Luntu Bobo, said: “This tour serves as [an observation] of how far the department has gone with its projects and the efforts we have made to bring services to people.”
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