MPILETSO MOTUMI
Johannesburg Water is upgrading Soweto’s water infrastructure, and its citizens are getting their hands dirty.
“Soweto is an old township… with new developments both residential and commercial, and the infrastructure also needs to change,” said Johannesburg Water spokesman Baldwin Matsimela.
For Dobsonville resident Leonard Manyapye, 37, the improvements are long needed. “In Dobsonville there are burst pipes and blockages when it rains. If the project does end up in Dobsonville I’ll be relieved,” he said.
Locals working through small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been trained in fixing drainage systems, installing geysers, maintaining taps and much more. Manyapye is one of those working on the project, which began in September 2010.
“It’s a big opportunity for me, especially now that I have this certificate. It will be easier to get work after this project is done,” he said.
Eleven SMMEs contracted on this project are employing Soweto residents.
“More than 30 percent of the amount spent on the project goes towards the SMMEs. The number will increase as the project continues,” said Matsimela.
A total of R1.6 billion has been set aside for the project in the greater Soweto area. The city of Joburg aims to have fixed the water situation in Soweto by 2014.
“White City has many blockages along the main road,” said Gift Mantsha, 47, who is also involved in the training.
Nombuso Mkhwanazi, 42, of White City, has already seen improvement: “We used to share a tap with the stand next to us but now we have our own.”