Month: April 2024

Residents of Hammanskraal are set to benefit from a partnership between the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and the City of Tshwane, which is expected to result in potable water running by September this year.

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu, joined by Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink, conducted an oversight project inspection of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW) and Klipdrift Package Plant in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, on Wednesday.

The inspection come as the department, through its entity, Magalies Water, and the City of Tshwane are working collaboratively to effectively address water challenges affecting most parts of Hammanskraal.

Speaking during a community imbizo held at Mandela Hall, Mchunu recommitted to oversee the successful refurbishment of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works to enable its performance at optimum capacity, as well as the upgrading of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works.

‘As a Ministry, we made a commitment to ensure the provision of equitable
and excellent quality water supply, as well as dignified sanitation for all. Therefore, our visit to Hammanskraal is by no means just for show, nor is it politicking,’ Mchunu said.

The Ministry and the City of Tshwane also informed the community that work is underway to upgrade the Klipdrift Water Treatment Works, which is set to get upgraded from 42 to 92 mega litres per day, to improve the provision and quality of water in parts of Hammanskraal.

‘I am pleased to inform you that by September this year, most households will be able to get consistent and reliable water in their homes. This will significantly improve the quality of life for more than 47 000 households and a population of 180 679,’ Mchunu said.

Giving an update on the latest progress made towards the refurbishment of Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works, Mchunu reported the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has been appointed as the implementing agent to complete the refurbishment of the plant.

He said the work to be carried out will
include two sub-phases.

‘Phase 1A of the refurbishment is urgent, and a turnkey approach is undertaken to ensure that the necessary works are carried out swiftly and efficiently. This includes both general building and mechanical, and electrical elements that will work together to deliver the upgrades needed to improve the Plant’s capacity and functionality.

‘Phase 1B will follow a conventional approach, which will see the construction of two primary sedimentation tanks, the refurbishment of the east flow balancing tank and pump station, and the upgrading of the anaerobic digesters on the Rooiwal West Works, amongst others,’ Mchunu explained.

The Minister highlighted the socioeconomic benefits that the two projects will bring to the area of Hammanskraal and surrounding areas.

‘We always strive to ensure that projects undertaken by government benefit the local communities. It is anticipated that the upgrade of the Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant project will create up to 70 jobs for the duration of the pro
ject,’ Mchunu said.

Mchunu further reiterated the ministry’s stance of collaborative work to ensure the effective implementation of bulk water and sanitation projects, not only in Hammanskraal but across the country.

He called out people who continue to vandalise infrastructure.

‘We must remember the importance of working together to prevent the reoccurrence of waterborne diseases. Our being here with the City of Tshwane and Magalies Water symbolides our own individual commitment to help the people of Hammamskraal realise their constitutional right of water provision.

‘We also should not be shy to call out those amongst the community who commit the crime of vandalizing the infrastructure that we so much want to see work optimally to serve everyone in our communities,’ Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), has urged graduands of African Centre of Excellence on Technology Enhanced Learning (ACETEL) to utilise their digital expertise to drive development in their respective countries.

Peters gave the commendation on Thursday while speaking ahead of the institution’s 13th convocation ceremony slated for April 13, at the University’s premises in Abuja.

He lauded the graduands for the feat.

‘I expect these graduates from Nigeria and other African nations, now equipped with digital expertise, to spearhead developmental initiatives, especially in the realm of technology for education.’

Peters announced that the institution was set to graduate six PhD students, with ACETEL making a significant contribution of four to the cohort.

He commended the centre’s remarkable growth within its five-year existence, citing it as a testament to its resilience and unwavering dedication.

‘I commend the centre for producing such a notable number of
PhD scholars within a short span of five years; additionally, we have eleven MSc students graduating.

‘These scholars are specialising in high-demand courses such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Management Information Systems.’

He added that the programmes were on the rise; thereby attracting a considerable number of students.

‘We anticipate further growth as we demonstrate our commitment to providing quality education remotely.’

Peters underscored the pivotal role of ACETEL’s digital infrastructure in supporting the university’s Open and Distance Learning (ODL) system.

‘The digital infrastructure facilitated by the Centre is integral to our ODL delivery.

‘It plays a crucial role in providing accessible and high quality education to our diverse student body,’ he added.

The vice-chancellor, who assured continued support beyond World Bank funding, acknowledged ACETEL’s role in garnering international recognition for the university.

He expressed pride in the partnerships and collaborations
established with national and international institutions, emphasising their significance for future endeavours.

Peters congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and urged them to remain good ambassadors of the university.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has bombed three terrorists camps in Zamfara on Wednesday, eliminating several of them and their structures.

The operation was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, NAF Spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Gabkwet said the camps destroyed belong to terrorist kingpins, Abdullahi Nasanda in Zurmi, Malam Tukur in Gusau, and another in MaradunLocal Government Areas of Zamfara.

He said that Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions were conducted on Nasanda’s Camp where terrorists’ activities were sighted and their hidden motorcycles.

‘Having established that their activities were consistent with terrorists’ modes of operation, the location was struck by multiple aircraft passes, thereby neutralizing several terrorists.

‘Similar ISR missions were conducted at Malam Tukur camp, where terrorists’ activities were also observed.

‘Air strikes conducted on the camp neutralised several terrorists and showed seve
ral structures set ablaze and destroyed.

‘Air strikes were also extended to Kanikawa in Maradun town, under Maradun LGA of Zamfara, where terrorists, their enclaves and equipment were attacked and destroyed,’ he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to continue with its efforts to ensure that all communities have access to essential services.

Khoza made the commitment during Operation Sigalelekile (‘We’ve arrived’), where she led various departments in a united force to provide vital services to the community of Ngudwini and Samungu’s Ward 05 in Umlalazi Local Municipality, under King Cetshwayo District Municipality.

Operation Sigalelekile is an initiative that serves as a beacon of hope for rural communities located in far-flung areas, remotely located from government services.

The community of Ngudwini was previously affected by faction fights, which robbed people of their lives and properties.

As government commemorates 30 years of service delivery, Khoza emphasised the need for strengthened strategies to bridge the gap in service delivery, particularly in rural communities.

Addressing the community during an event held this week at Esikh
umbeni Sportsground, Khoza said regardless of location, government is committed to ensuring that essential services reach every citizen, with the aim of fostering a successful nation.

“We are deeply concerned that older persons have to use their grants to support grandchildren who cannot access child support grants due to lack of important documents. We have been made aware of this challenge, hence our visit to the area to address it.

‘There are orphans, as a result of infighting within the communities and that robbed children of a better life. We have a responsibility to deal with social challenges affecting our communities,” Khoza said.

Khoza also stressed the importance of reaching every corner of the province, adding that government is caring, as it responded to the plight of people needing access to government offices and services.

During the outreach, various departments, including Social Development, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Police Services, Health, Home Affairs,
and the Electoral Commission, collaborated to address the pressing needs of the Ngudwini and Samungu communities.

The community members had an opportunity to make applications for important documents, including birth certificates and IDs, as well as access grants, with on-site assistance from SAPS for affidavits.

The MEC underscored the significance of these documents in unlocking opportunities for individuals and ensuring their inclusion in society.

She affirmed government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the community, particularly regarding documentation for children and older persons.

“We are here to bridge the gap and ensure that every person, regardless of their circumstances, has equal access to essential services. The integrated effort by the KwaZulu-Natal Government exemplifies its dedication to uplifting communities and fostering inclusivity in service delivery,” Khoza said. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency