Admin, Author at uMngeni-uThukela Water

Minister appoints Interim Board at uMngeni-uThukela Water

05/08/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]An 11-member Interim Board has been appointed at uMngeni-uThukela Water to begin its tenure with immediate effect. This swift action by the Executive Authority of uMngeni-uThukela Water, who is the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, follows a decision by the Minister to terminate the term of the previous Board due to discovery of non-compliance with national cabinet approved protocol pertaining to appointment of Board members of a State-Owned entity.

The previous Board was appointed by the then outgoing Minister of Water and Sanitation, effective from 1 st May 2019.
The Interim Board comprises capable men and women from diverse backgrounds whose primary task is to hold the fort and steer the organisation in the right direction and ensure that governance principles are observed, maintained and enhanced in order to underpin the sustainability of the organisation.

Members of the Interim Board are:

Mr Magasela Mzobe: Chairperson
Mr Thabo Johannes Tselane: Deputy Chairperson
Mr Vuyani Ndara
Mr Sydney James
Mr Mlamli Thembinkosi Magigaba
Mr Bheki Innocent Dladla
Ms Pretty Ntombela
Ms Unathi Mhlope
Mr Manqoba “Boy” Ngubo
Ms Linda Ngcobo
Ms Sindisiwe Fortunate Getyeza

The Interim Board’s term began on 1 August 2020 and will last until a permanent Board is appointed by the Minister. The Interim Board has full powers and responsibilities of a fully-fledged Accounting Authority and will perform its strategic role and oversight functions at uMngeni-uThukela Water in line with, and in complete recognition of, all governance imperatives, including the Water Services Act, the Public Finance Management Act, the Municipal Finance Management Act, the Municipal Systems Act, the Companies Act and King IV Reports on Corporate Governance.

This will allay any concerns that may exist among stakeholders and employees about inadequate governance oversight. The Interim Board will continue to be supported by an Ethics Committee that is chaired by an independent member with vast experience in ethical conduct and the public sector regulatory regime.

As is obligatory, uMngeni-uThukela Water has already issued a statement to the Stock Exchange News Service, creating awareness of the changes, including the appointment of the Interim Board. The Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has indicated that the process for the appointment of a permanent Board will be expedited. The appointment of one member of the previous Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water illustrates the Minister’s determination to ensure continuation and strengthening of governance oversight.

uMngeni-uThukela Water looks forward to the contribution that the members of the Interim Board will individually, and collectively, ensure that uMngeni-uThukela Water continues its tradition as a sustainable and top performing entity that provides value to its customers and other stakeholders.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Issued by the Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive
uMngeni-uThukela Water, Head Office, Pietermaritzburg
5 th August 2020
_______________________________________________________________________________[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F08%2FMinister-appoints-Interim-Board.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Joint Statement from the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, MP; the Chairperson of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water, Ms Ziphozethu Mathenjwa; and King Cetshwayo District Municipality

10/07/2020 Admin News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Developments within King Cetshwayo District over the past week

As part of the fight against the proliferation of COVID-19, the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, MP, has mandated water boards across the country to assist Municipalities that are Water Services Authorities (WSAs) to deliver water and related services to all citizens of the Republic. It is through the vision of sustainable water services delivery to all that uMngeni-uThukela Water has signed a service level agreement with the King Cetshwayo District Municipality (KCDM) in the North of KwaZulu-Natal.

This after the King Cetshwayo District Municipality decided not to renew the contract with the private water service provider and instead opted to partner with uMngeni-uThukela Water to rehabilitate all the run-down schemes and provide high quality water to all communities.

uMngeni-uThukela Water has more than 45 years of experience in provision of bulk water services in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal and it currently provides bulk water services to more than 70% of the population of KwaZulu-Natal, with the major cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg being beneficiaries of high quality bulk water services supplied by uMngeni-uThukela Water. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government partnered with uMngeni-uThukela Water to develop a Universal Access Plan, which is a blue print for water provision in the entire Province of KwaZulu-Natal. uMngeni-uThukela Water is using its strong balance sheet to fund the Universal Access Plan study for the benefit of the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal, including KCDM residents. It is that blue print of water delivery that uMngeni-uThukela Water will roll out through various infrastructure development projects in KCDM in order to ensure that, over time, the less reliable rudimentary schemes are decommissioned and replaced with sustainable, reliable and high capacity water schemes to meet current and future demands of the region.

Minister Sisulu has noted with concern violent protests and vandalism of municipal infrastructure in parts of the King Cetshwayo District Municipality following the decision not to renew the contract with the service provider.

“It is both highly regrettable and uncalled for that the people we serve, especially in this trying time of proliferation of the coronavirus and resultant COVID-19, have to suffer further hardship through deprivation of basic water services,” said Minister Sisulu.

“As the Minister with oversight on water and allied services, it is my greatest wish and desire that those who have instigated and are perpetuating the abhorrent actions of road blockades, protests and sabotage of infrastructure that delivers water to some communities in King Cetshwayo District will stop, pause for a moment and think about the consequence of what they have resorted to. Innocent lives are being put at risk because of their actions.”

“Our Government has always, and continues to, encourage dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes. This also applies to those who appear to be aggrieved over the end of the contract. My Department’s doors are open and so are the doors of the leadership of KCDM,” added Minister Sisulu.

It is important that matters are put into proper perspective in order to correct disinformation and fallacies that are being peddled in some quarters that are directly or indirectly impacted by the latest developments. uMngeni-uThukela Water, a State-owned entity, is one of the water services providers that responded with a detailed proposal for operation, maintenance and management of some existing secondary bulk schemes as a short-term intervention and with strategies for the medium-term and long-term, including elimination of rudimentary schemes. This was in line with the requirements of KCDM and it was a fair, transparent and competitive process, contrary to the claims being made by some in our communities.

The Ministry has been in discussions with the Chairperson of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water, Ms Ziphozethu Mathenjwa, and it has emerged that good progress has been made with uMngeni-uThukela Water beginning operations within the District. An agreement has been signed between uMngeni-uThukela Water and KCDM, and uMngeni-uThukela Water has deployed at least 30 of its technical staff as part of reconnaissance to determine needs and priorities in order improve water services provision. Once this exercise is completed, uMngeni-uThukela Water will be armed with proper and reliable information, so that when it takes over there will be a proper plan to produce tangible action and results.

Minister Sisulu and the Chairperson of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water, Ms Ziphozethu Mathenjwa, together with the Mayor of KCDM, Her Worship Cllr Nonhle Mkhulisi, the entire leadership of the District and the Provincial Government of KwaZulu-Natal, are committed to providing quality services to the people of KCDM.

Plans are in place to improve water services provision within the District, and this includes rehabilitation, refurbishment and upgrade of infrastructure and provision of new and ultra-modern infrastructure. uMngeni-uThukela Water, its customers and other stakeholders are getting to a point where water backlogs – or difficult access to water that is below Reconstruction and Development Programme specifications – will be significantly reduced. This is a commitment that is made in the Universal Access Plan, and our caring Government will fulfil it so that equity in allocation of resources is achieved in our lifetime.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F07%2FJoint-Statement-from-the-Minister-of-Human-Settlement-version-10-July-20….pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Status of Water Resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area as at Monday, 25th May 2020

25/05/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Water resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s vast service area are at this stage in a healthy state. This will come as good news at the start of the generally dry months (May – August) when rainfall is significantly below average or there is none. It will also come as a relief to municipalities that are currently providing water and water tanks in a mass COVID-19 combat campaign at high-density residential areas, among them informal settlements.

As water tanks are installed in, and motorised water tankers are despatched to, more informal settlements in Durban and surrounding areas, demand for safe drinking water will inevitably increase. This expected increase will assist in initiatives of municipalities and the Department of Water and Sanitation to extend access to water for handwashing, general improvement of environmental hygiene, and domestic use.

Read more here or click the download button below[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FStatus-of-Water-Resources-in-uMngeni-uThukela-Water%E2%80%99s-Operational-Area_Artwork.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Board Nomination Advert

18/05/2020 Admin News

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]THE BOARD OF UMGENI WATER (THE BOARD) CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF UMGENI WATER SERVICES (SOC) LTD. Board Term of up to four (4) Years.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]uMngeni-uThukela Water Services (SOC) Ltd (“UWS”) is a 100% owned subsidiary of uMngeni-uThukela Water, the company’s primary mandate or main business is the holding of investments and carrying activities related to water services
Individuals and organisations are invited to submit nominations of suitably qualified persons to be considered for appointment as members of the Board of UWS.
The Board must comprise of interested, suitably qualified persons to be considered for appointment as independent non-executive directors for UWS with the following combination of skills and experience that would best increase Board effectiveness.

Interested persons are requested to submit the Nominee’s CV, a copy of certified qualifications, Identification Document and motivation to the Group Company Secretary: Attention: The Company Secretary – Mr. Sbusiso Madonsela
It is a requirement that nominations MUST be sent electronically to:
boardnomination@umngeni-uthukela.co.za
Closing date for application: 12 June 2020.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FBoard-Nomination-advert-final-1.pdf|||”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]THE BOARD OF UMGENI WATER (THE BOARD) CALLS FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF BOARD MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE BOARD OF MSINSI HOLDINGS (SOC) LTD. Board Term of up to four (4) Years.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Msinsi Holdings (SOC) Ltd, trading as Msinsi Resorts and Game Reserves (“Msinsi”), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of uMngeni-uThukela Water mandated primarily to manage water resources around uMngeni-uThukela Water managed/owned dams. Msinsi is one of the most successful organisations involved in water resource management with five beautiful reserves situated around some of the largest and most picturesque dams in KZN.

Individuals and organisations are invited to submit nominations of suitably qualified persons to be considered for appointment as members of the Board of Msinsi.

It is a requirement that nominations MUST be sent electronically to:
boardnomination@Msinsi.co.za
Closing date for application: 11 June 2020.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F05%2FBoard-Nomination-advert-final.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Midmar Dam begins spilling again and Current Status of Water Resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area

16/04/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Midmar Dam has begun spilling after reaching capacity – and a little more on Wednesday, 15th April 2020. The level of the dam is at 100, 08%, representing an increase of 0, 5% from a week ago. Improved water resources in Midmar Dam has been a result of water releases from upstream Mearns Weir and good rains in the catchments of Mearns Weir and Midmar Dam.

Spills from Midmar Dam will assist in boosting the level of downstream Albert Falls Dam, which has remained consistently at below 40% for almost three years despite the end of the drought. By Wednesday, 15th March 2020, the level of Albert Falls Dam began rising steadily and is currently at 37, 25% – up 0, 5% from the previous day. If spills from Midmar Dam continue, the level of Albert Falls – the largest dam in the Mgeni System – will increase unabated.

Read more here or click download button below[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F04%2FMidmar-Dam-begins-spilling-again-and-Current-Status_Artwork.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

uMngeni-uThukela Water continues to treat and supply drinking water during the lockdown period

30/03/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]uMngeni-uThukela Water wants to reassure its customers that it will continue to provide its core services – supply of drinking water in bulk and treatment of wastewater, during the 21-day lock-down. Therefore, our municipal customers and consumers should have no concerns about reduced water supply or changes in excellent water quality that is distributed from water treatment plants that are operated by uMngeni-uThukela Water.

Bulk potable water
Supply and distribution of water is an essential service. uMngeni-uThukela Water derives its mandate of bulk potable water and sanitation services provision from the Water Services Act 108 of 1997 and the National Water Act 36 of 1998. These are core functions of a Water Services Provider and are, therefore, essential in nature.

Read more here or click download button below[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FuMngeni-uThukela-Water-Public-Announcement.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Message to Stakeholders – Strategies to combat COVID-19

24/03/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]INTRODUCTION

As we are aware, the new corona virus strain (Covid-19) continues to exact significant repercussions worldwide. Our country has not been spared its presence and accompanying social and economic challenges. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has rightly taken the lead in initiating stringent measures aimed at containment. Entities of State, among them uMngeni-uThukela Water, have responded to the Presidential declaration of a national disaster with firm preventative actions that have been precisely developed to ensure maximum impact.

uMngeni-uThukela Water fully understands the strategic importance of its products and services and the significant role they play in provision of essential services, including safe drinking water, by our customers. The increasing importance of availability of water in this trying time, when sanitising and washing of hands to combat this disease is vital, cannot be over emphasised.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FUMGENI-WATER-MESSAGE-FOR-OUR-KEY-STAKEHOLDERS.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

COVID-19 Update – What uMngeni-uThukela Water expects from Suppliers and Contractors

20/03/2020 Admin Highlight, News, Supplier Notice

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Dear Valued Supplier,

uMngeni-uThukela Water is closely monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation and taking proactive measures to preserve the health and safety of our colleagues and their families, as well as our clients and the communities we serve. If you are an uMngeni-uThukela Water -approved supplier, please take note of the guidelines below.

In order to protect our employees and maintain our services, uMngeni-uThukela Water is limiting access to operational sites. However, from time to time access is required for the delivery of important goods (e.g. chemicals), maintenance or construction crews undertaking work on site. We also have some people working in non-operational areas as contractors, consultants or as service providers.

It is expected that these firms to take similar measures to protect their own workers and ensure none of their workers attend an uMngeni-uThukela Water site (operational or otherwise) if they are unwell, have travelled overseas in the past 14 days or believe they have come into contact with a person who may
be exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Please note, we may seek separate assurance that you have the appropriate measures in place.

We also expect our suppliers to follow our protocols on entering our sites and our expectations for hygiene while on site, and to report to uMngeni-uThukela Water any confirmed case(s) of COVID-19 among the supplier’s workforce who have visited or worked at an uMngeni-uThukela Water site.
It is expected that meetings will be done electronically, and only face-to-face where it is critical to do so. If face-to-face meetings are required, we expect strict hygiene protocols to be adhered to.

You should notify your primary uMngeni-uThukela Water Contact person if:
a) If you experience a shortage of supply or a supply-chain disruption impacting uMngeni-uThukela Water.
b) In this case, please communicate your business continuity, response protocols, and action plans to uMngeni-uThukela Water to restore supply.

Other visitors to our sites
In order to protect the employees who are critical to our service delivery, uMngeni-uThukela Water will not be permitting any visitors to its operational sites other than those suppliers mentioned above.
The above measures are an important part of our overall plan for the safety and wellbeing of our staff members, and the continuation of essential services for the people of KwaZulu-Natal Province through this pandemic.

If you have a specific question in relation to suppliers and contractor restrictions, please refer these to your usual uMngeni-uThukela Water point of contact.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FuMngeni-uThukela-Water_Important-Notice.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Status of Water Resources and Projections on Rainfall

12/03/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Issued by the Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive, Pietermaritzburg

Good unseasonal rains expected over the next two months will bring relief to many parched parts of KwaZulu-Natal and also boost dam levels, enhancing assurance of full water supply.

An analysis of rainfall received from March 2019 to February 2020, the current status of water resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s vast supply areas and projections of rainfall in March, April and May 2020 (early to late autumn) paints a picture of healthy water resource availability at this stage.

This analysis is contained in a report, titled Status of Water Resources: uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area, prepared by uMngeni-uThukela Water and it is part of uMngeni-uThukela Water’s information sharing on storage in dams managed by the organisation, volumes of potable water supplied per quarter and water demand projections. An assessment of water resource availability in the Mgeni System – which provides for the water needs of an estimated 6 million consumers in uMgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg and Durban – indicates that it is currently at an acceptable level.

Read more here or click download button below[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FStatus-of-Water-Resources-availability-and-Projections-on-Rainfall.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Outcomes of water quality tests confirm no contaminants or poison in water

12/03/2020 Admin Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Issued by the Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive, Pietermaritzburg

On Monday, 9th March 2020, as protest action flared in Ladysmith, a WhatsApp message began circulating widely, urging consumers not to drink “water that comes out of your taps this morning because it has been poisoned”.

While the message was vague as it did not identify the nature of the purported “poison”, where or how it had been placed in the water supply system, uMngeni-uThukela Water nevertheless acted swiftly on becoming aware of its existence. In line with water quality testing protocols, uMngeni-uThukela Water Management sent a member of staff on the same day to Ladysmith to take samples of potable water that is produced at the Ezakheni Water Treatment Works (WTW).

This WTW is operated and maintained by uMngeni-uThukela Water, while provision of drinking water directly to consumers is the responsibility of the Water Services Authority, in this instance uThukela District Municipality.

Read more here or click download button below[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Download Document” style=”classic” color=”primary” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2FWATER-QUALITY-TESTING-AND-CLOSURE-OF-EZAKHENI-WTW.pdf|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Admin

Minister appoints Interim Board at uMngeni-uThukela Water

Joint Statement from the Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, MP; the Chairperson of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water, Ms Ziphozethu Mathenjwa; and King Cetshwayo District Municipality

Status of Water Resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area as at Monday, 25th May 2020

Board Nomination Advert

Midmar Dam begins spilling again and Current Status of Water Resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area

uMngeni-uThukela Water continues to treat and supply drinking water during the lockdown period

Message to Stakeholders – Strategies to combat COVID-19

COVID-19 Update – What uMngeni-uThukela Water expects from Suppliers and Contractors

Status of Water Resources and Projections on Rainfall

Outcomes of water quality tests confirm no contaminants or poison in water

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