Boreholes bring water relief to uMsinga communities

Communities in uMsinga, within the uMzinyathi District, are set to benefit from improved access to clean water following the installation of nine borehole schemes aimed at addressing long-standing shortages in the area. uMngeni-uThukela Water said the project, implemented under its Corporate Social Investment programme, has already created 50 local jobs while providing thousands of residents with access to potable water. Each borehole includes a storage capacity of about 40 000 litres, offering immediate relief to water-scarce communities.

The boreholes were officially handed over on Monday to residents of KwaGuqa and surrounding areas in uMsinga. Board chairperson Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo said the initiative was part of efforts to support communities beyond the utility’s core mandate. “We encourage traditional leaders and the community to safeguard this infrastructure from vandalism,” Khuzwayo said.

He explained that while uMngeni-uThukela Water is primarily responsible for bulk water supply, municipalities remain in charge of distribution. The borehole schemes, equipped with generators, storage tanks and standpipe systems, were designed to provide practical and immediate assistance. A total of 13 sites were initially identified, but only nine were commissioned following geological surveys, water quality testing and feasibility assessments to ensure safety and reliability. Local traditional leader Inkosi Mchunu welcomed the project, saying it had made a meaningful impact on the community.