The R150 million rain water harvesting tank project in the Southern and Northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal is finally complete. More than 26 000 water tanks have been installed to service 27 500 households in the province
The National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) and KwaZulu-Natal Department of Human Settlements launched the project in 2011 to help in alleviating the water shortage problems experienced by poor rural communities. This follows a service level agreement (SLA) that the NHBRC entered into with the Department of Human Settlements KZN for the installation of the rain water harvesting tanks.
The region is currently experiencing a serious drought, in addition, unemployment is high, access to piped water and electricity is erratic, and education levels are extremely low.
âWe are pleased to announce that the much awaited water tank project is complete,â says NHBRC CEO Mongezi Mnyani. âThe tanks have been installed in a time of a serious need, especially in these communities who were experiencing shortages even before the water crisis hitâ.
âThe NHBRC is committed to new building and energy efficient solutions and we are proud to be part of an initiative which has made a difference in these communities life.â
âAlthough the rain-water harvesting tanks will bring a certain degree of relief to residents, we continue to urge communities to use water sparingly.â
âI am very happy to have a water tank installed in my own yard,â says Umkhanyakude resident Bonisiwe Priscilla Ntuli. âNow I donât have to walk long kilometres to fetch water as I can go behind the house to get clean water. We struggled for a very long time and we are glad that change has finally come.â
For more information, please contact Molebogeng Taunyane on 011 317 0070 or email molebot@nhbrc.azurewebsites.net.