MIDDELBURG – The Steve Tshwete Municipality recently benefited from the donation of a third honeysucker truck, generously provided to support uninterrupted sanitation services for villages and farms reliant on these essential facilities.
The 16-kilolitre honeysucker truck, valued at an estimated R2 million, was graciously donated to the municipality by Nkulo Trust on Friday, 23 August 2024, at an event held at the Middelburg Hospital.
This new truck is intended to replace an older one that had been unreliable and prone to breakdowns. Previously, the municipality operated two honeysucker trucks for crucial tasks such as unblocking sewerage pipes, draining septic tanks, servicing pit toilets, managing wastewater treatment plants, and collecting faecal sludge. Unfortunately, one of the trucks had experienced severe breakdowns, leading to significant service disruptions.
During the handover ceremony, Steve Tshwete Municipality Executive Mayor Mhlonishwa Masilela highlighted the critical importance of this donation. “The truck will assist us in upholding sanitation standards in areas that have long been underserved,” he remarked. “It is through collaborations like this that we can address the most pressing needs of our community and establish a healthier, safer environment for all our residents.”
Nkulo Trust, established by Thungela Resources in 2021, is a non-profit and public benefit organisation dedicated to promoting socio-economic development in communities associated with Thungela’s operations.
Mpumi Sithole, Nkulo Trust chairperson, emphasised the significance of the trust’s establishment, stating that their CEO has always been insistent on the importance of the company’s societal contributions. Sithole also mentioned that the trust had previously made a substantial donation of over R6 million in medical supplies to the Witbank Hospital. “These resources are vital for the hospital’s ability to deliver high-quality care to its patients, many of whom require prolonged treatment for severe medical conditions,” she added.
Sasekani Manzini, MEC for the Mpumalanga Department of Health, expressed gratitude for the donation. “The supplies provided by Nkulo Trust today will greatly assist in alleviating the shortage of essentials at the Witbank Hospital, ensuring that our healthcare professionals can concentrate on delivering optimal care to community members,” she stated.
The new honeysucker truck is expected to enhance the reliability and efficiency of sanitation services, particularly in rural and remote areas lacking traditional sewer systems.
