The MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Mr Basikopo Makamu, visited Musina Municipality on Monday, 11 September, to hand over bulk-engineering-services projects officially for bulk sewer pipelines in Masisi and Nancefield.

The MEC also used the opportunity to introduce the appointed service provider for the projects. The event took place at Musina Municipality’s council chamber.

Phamela Engineering Services will provide the detailed design and contract documentation for both projects, which will run for three years. They will also do the monitoring after the appointment of the construction service provider.

Addressing councillors, the service provider, Musina Municipality’s management, and staff from Coghsta, Makamu said the projects were aimed at helping Musina Municipality to ignite economic development. He said Musina Municipality was strategically located along the border, where many economic activities took place. “People might regard you as a small town, but we foresee huge growth and development in the near future. Dynamite comes in small packages, and we will soon be talking about Musina smart city, where many people would like to relocate to, especially at this time when the Musina Makhado Special Economic Zone is taking shape. We have a responsibility to support you to realise your dream of becoming a city,” he said.

Makamu added that the local mayor and his councillors had to take charge of the projects that were being handed over. “As local leaders, I delegate you to monitor and conduct oversight as I will not be able to come here personally time and again to see what is happening.”

Musina Mayor Nkhanedzeni Godfrey Mawela thanked the provincial government, particularly Coghsta, for the infrastructure-development support. “We will monitor the projects responsibly and make sure that they are implemented effectively,” said Mawela.