Johannesburg: The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is pressing ahead with multi-billion-rand water infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening water security, stabilizing supply, and improving service delivery across the city.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme has entered Phase 2 at a cost of R11 billion. The project, which includes a storage dam, a water abstraction point, and a water treatment plant, is set to produce 100 megalitres of water per day upon completion. Of this, 75 megalitres will be supplied to eThekwini Municipality, sufficient to supply areas from Isipingo to uMkhomazi. The water currently supplied to these areas will then be redirected to other regions to further stabilize supply.
Phase 1 of the project focused on raw water components, while Phase 2 will deliver potable water infrastructure, including a 100 ML/day water treatment facility and expanded reservoir capacity. eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba highlighted significant progress with the scheme and announced the introduction of a contractor for the second phase of the Water Treatment Works. Delays caused by legal processes are being addressed, and Umgeni-uThukela Water has committed to beginning water reception from the scheme by the end of next year.
The Presidential eThekwini Working Group is driving these projects, showcasing effective coordination and acceleration of interventions to tackle key developmental, infrastructure, economic, and service delivery challenges within the municipality. The group also aims to enhance collaboration between different levels of government and improve communication on progress.
Mayor Xaba noted that for the first time in five years, all bulk water reservoirs remained stable throughout the festive season, resulting in uninterrupted water supply for communities in multiple regions. This stability is attributed to investments in the Northern Aqueduct and the refurbishment and upgrade of the Ntuzuma Pump Station.
The Southern Aqueduct Project, a R1.2 billion, 24 km bulk pipeline initiative, is replacing an old concrete pipe with a steel pipe to stabilize water supply from Durban Central to southern areas. It supplies water to approximately 1.2 million people and is critical for improving the bulk water network and reducing water loss.
Progress is also being made with the Southern Aqueduct upgrade, with several work packages completed. The project is expected to be completed by December this year, benefiting 1.2 million residents in Durban's south. Work Package One has been commissioned, connecting several reservoirs, while Work Package Three is on track for May commissioning.
Work continues on the concrete pipeline on Northbourne Road in Westville, with installation scheduled for 2026. Due to the system's capacity issues after scheduled works, emergency water rationing is implemented until then. Delays were encountered due to fibre and electrical cables in the construction area.