The Sarah Baartman District Municipality in partnership with Kou-Kamma Municipality held a sod-turning event in Thornham to mark the official start of the Informal Settlements Upgrade project in the area.
The Sarah Baartman District Municipality has been appointed as implementing agents by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements (ECDHS) as part of their National Upgrading Support Programme (NUSP) to aid municipalities to upgrade informal settlements.
Part of the sod-turning event was the introduction of the project managers, Lilitha Consulting Engineers, and the contractors, TTR Contractors.
This project includes refurbishment of the existing water reservoir, installation of toilets, and implementation of solar power.
Each unit will receive a wheelie bin and standpipe water connection.
The project also covers skip bins for solid waste management, upgrading of two gravel roads, maintenance of the access road, and installation of solar streetlights.
In attendance were Kou-Kamma Municipality Mayor Samuel Vuso, SBDM Executive Mayor Deon de Vos, SBDM Portfolio Councillor for Community Services and Infrastructure Development Athi Diniso, Kou-Kamma Ward Councillor Sikiwe Nomathamsanqa and municipal officials from both the Kou-Kamma Municipality and the District.
The consultants conducted a cadastral survey to support the Municipality’s future development plans in the area.
Although Thornham is a privately owned area, the community residing in this area needs basic services as they currently do not have access to water and sanitation.
After extensive consultation with the Thornham Management Board and community members, the project is set to officially begin.
The project will also provide job opportunities to unemployed community members and business opportunities to local SMMEs.
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