Plans to merge Umgeni, Mhlathuze water boards
The Water and Sanitation Department says the process of merging Umgeni Water Board and Mhlathuze Water Board is on track to be completed around mid-year.
The process was a decision taken by Water Minister Senzo Mchunu in an effort to mitigate corruption, reduce the number of multiple water boards in a single province and to accelerate water supply in KZN.
"The process of reconfiguration of the Umgeni Water and Mhlathuze Water and merging the two into one entity and also extending the boundary of Umgeni Water include that of Mhlathuze is currently underway and will be finalised on 30 June 2023," says department spokesperson Wisani Mavasa.
"This is in line with the financial year end of water boards in the meantime Minister Senzo Mchunu has appointed an interim board of Umgeni Water with effect of 9 March until a new board is appointed."
In a notice issued in the government gazette by Mchunu last year, he said there will be transferring of staff, assets and liabilities to Umgeni Water.
“The single water board for KwaZulu-Natal will enable the water boards to consolidate their assets and skills for key infrastructure development and access to water for the entire province,” said Mchunu.
