The Kouga Wind Farm Community Development Trust (KWFCDT) is proud to be implementing the Umzamowethu Retrofit Project, a transformative initiative designed to improve living standards, restore dignity, and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Umzamowethu.
The Umzamowethu Retrofit Project focuses on upgrading critical infrastructure for 99 households, providing much-needed improvements in housing conditions and sanitation facilities. Through a phased approach, the project aims to address key challenges faced by the community, ensuring long-term benefits for all beneficiaries.
Phase One
KWFCDT launched Phase 1 of the Umzamowethu House Retrofit Project with a strong commitment to “Charity Begins at Home.” This phase set the foundation for transformative change by retrofitting 12 houses in the community.
As part of the initiative, the Trust empowered six local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by providing essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and construction tools, ensuring compliance with health and safety standards. These SMEs were contracted to spearhead the renovations, addressing critical environmental and living conditions while restoring dignity to the community. This phase not only improved living conditions but also created job opportunities, fostering local economic growth and capacity building.
Phase Two
Building on the success of Phase 1, the Trust partnered with Kouga Local Municipality, Oyster Bay Wind Farm, and Build It Jeffreys Bay to officially launch Phase 2 of the project. This phase focused on retrofitting an additional 43 houses.
The launch event, attended by community members, stakeholders, and beneficiaries, celebrated the collective effort of all partners. The Trust’s transparency in procurement and financial processes was praised by project contractors, such as Isiviko Construction, one of the six empowered SMEs. The Trust’s commitment to collaboration and local empowerment was at the heart of this phase, ensuring safer and more dignified living spaces for residents while continuing to build stronger communities.
Phase Three
The final phase of the Umzamowethu Retrofit Project saw the completion of renovations on 44 additional houses, bringing the total to 99 retrofitted homes.
Phase 3 also created substantial employment opportunities, generating consistent income for local workers and contributing to the local economy. In addition, the project empowered several Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs), including women-led businesses, through their active involvement in the construction and retrofit processes.
This phase stands as a testament to the Trust’s dedication to uplifting communities, improving living conditions, and fostering economic growth.
Sanitation Solution Project
Sanitation has long been a challenge in the Umzamowethu community. The KWFCDT is implementing a Sanitation Solution Project, a critical initiative aimed at improving the sanitation infrastructure for 99 households in the Umzamowethu community. This includes:
- Installation of Ceramic Eaziflush™ 2L low-flush pedestals complete with P-Traps, seats, and lids.
- Low-volume internal cisterns with modern inlet valves, flush mechanisms, and ball valves for water efficiency.
- Installation and connection of 1500L SANS-approved septic tanks, ensuring proper wastewater management.
- New 110mm waste pipe systems connected from the Eaziflush™ pedestals to the septic tanks.
PROJECT
UPDATES
99
Houses Retrofitted
6
SMMEs Empowered Including 2 Female Managed Businesses
6,5K+
Jobs Created During Project
R560K+
Average Monthly Income to the Local Labour Force
R3.6M+
Distributed iThrough SMMEs' Wages & Salaries
PROJECT GALLERY
