R850m required to repair damaged water pipes in KZN
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says more than R850 million is needed to repair damaged water pipes in the southern, northern and central parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The minister was speaking during a virtual media briefing on repairs to water and sanitation infrastructure affected by the floods.
"With regard to iLembe in terms of costs overall, it is coming to R63 million so far in terms of estimates and R12 million for uMgungundlovu and R1 billion for eThekwini."
Mchunu says these figures are projections as assessments continue.
"These are just overall figures that we have been able to collect so far. By 15 May, we should be in a position to announce some certainty about the amounts that are needed."
READ: Officials working hard to restore water in KZN, says Mchunu
He says they're very concerned about damages to sanitation infrastructure.
"We are aware of the resulting spillage and the pollution of our rivers and the sea in and around eThekwini and the surrounding municipalities.
"We need to act and act very fast and decisively on this matter and to quickly ascertain the amount of spillage to the rivers and the extent of the damage to sanitation infrastructure and what it would take to do quick repairs and then lasting repairs."
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