Royal HaskoningDHV continued its winning streak at the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) KwaZulu Natal Regional Awards that were held in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday 29th July. In the category for Community-based projects, Royal HaskoningDHV won the award for the ePhatheni Water Supply Scheme for the uMgungundlovu District Municipality.
ePhatheni is located south of a small town called Richmond in the rolling hills of Kwazulu-Natal. The local community had a desperate need for a safe and reliable source of potable water. uMgungundlovu District Municipality appointed Royal HaskoningDHV to provide professional services for the ePhatheni Water Supply Scheme. The project initiated by the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and supported by the Department of Water and Sanitation through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) funding programme, resulted in a water supply scheme that would not only provide a reliable source of water but enable the economic upliftment of the communities in the area. The long-term aim of this project is to satisfy the potable water requirements for the ePhatheni area right up to 2031. This has improved the quality of life for the community facilitating increased economic growth opportunities.
As part of the socio-economic development of the area an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was implemented, accredited training facilities were provided, career guidance was offered to a number of dedicated students and a series of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives were initiated as part of the project. There was maximum utilization of local labour with 50% of those employed being women. As an exit strategy, the project provided for accredited training in water and wastewater reticulation with participants attaining NQF Level 3. The qualifications obtained will enhance work opportunities for these trainees in the future.
In keeping with Royal HaskoningDHV’s brand promise of ‘Enhancing Society Together’ the project benefited the ePhatheni community in many ways including the donation of dictionaries to Congco High School in the eSimozomeni area and Gadisa Primary School in the eNdaleni area. The soccer field at ePhatheni near the Community Hall was beautified by growing grass after the contractor vacated the site. Five Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres/Crèches were identified at ePhatheni in Ward 6 where the training of teachers and supervisors was carried out including health and safety and first aid training. In addition, donations of furniture, educational material, toys, clothing and first aid kits was made to all 5 ECD centres.
The SAICE Awards, for the most outstanding civil engineering achievements of the year, honour individuals, project excellence and community-orientated initiatives. The annual awards function offers companies, individuals and departments a unique opportunity to showcase their deserving projects and work in the Civil Engineering industry. During June, this year Royal HaskoningDHV also won an award at the SAICE KwaZulu Natal Regional Awards held in Durban. In the category for Technical Excellence, Royal HaskoningDHV in joint venture with Henwood and Nxumalo won the award for the Provincial Main Road 577 for the KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport and the BRT Lanes: Corridor C3 for eThekwini Transport Authority.
