Kouga – Kouga Local Municipality has secured an R83 million Upgrading of Informal Settlement Programme Grant (UISP Incremental Grant) from the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) to undertake critical bulk infrastructure upgrades across nine settlements in the region.
These upgrades are set to address essential service delivery needs, supporting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents.
Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman, expressed his gratitude for the funding, describing it as a transformative step forward for the municipality. "This significant investment ensures that our communities have access to essential services such as reliable water supply, effective sanitation, and electricity. These upgrades lay the foundation for further development, creating an environment where all residents can thrive," he said.
Electrical infrastructure
The grant will fund critical infrastructure projects, including the R22 million Boskloof Secondary Feeders Line and Substation to bolster the electricity network and support growing demand in Humansdorp/KwaNomzamo, as well as a R12 million upgrade of the Ocean View Substation to cater to development in the 80ha settlement of Ocean View.
Sanitation infrastructure
To address sanitation challenges, R11.68 million has been allocated for the construction of a new pump station in Geelhout, along with a rising main to channel wastewater to the KwaNomzamo Wastewater Treatment Works.
Further upgrades include R3.28 million for enhancements to the Kruisfontein Wastewater Treatment Works and a 1.7km outfall sewer with advanced engineering.
In addition, the Apiesdraai Pump Station will undergo a R4.73 million refurbishment, with condition assessments and upgrades planned to meet future demand.
The Thornhill Sewer Treatment Works will also receive R2.64 million to increase its treatment capacity. Ramaphosa Village will benefit from the refurbishment of the existing Sewer Pump Station to the value of R600 000.
Water infrastructure
The water infrastructure projects funded by this grant include a R7.5 million water main from the Humansdorp Waterworks to KwaNomzamo, along Saffrey Street.
In Kruisfontein, R7.8 million will be used for upgrades to the Gill Marcus Reservoir and the installation of feeder lines to Donderhoek and Hopeville.
Thornhill will see the construction of a R5.77 million steel-pressed reservoir with feeder lines from the Summit Water Main, while Ramaphosa Village will benefit from a R5.25 million new reservoir to support current and future needs.
"Through these projects, we are addressing long-standing challenges in our communities,” said Bornman. “This is about ensuring equitable access to services and supporting the future growth of our municipality.”