eThekwini: The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), uMngeni-uThukela Water, and eThekwini Metro have urged the public to use water sparingly as eThekwini battles water supply disruptions. Minister of Water and Sanitation Pemmy Majodina and Deputy Minister David Mahlobo convened an urgent meeting on Sunday with key stakeholders to address the ongoing water supply issues in the region.
According to South African Government News Agency, the meeting included eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Trading Services Committee Chairperson Mdu Nkosi, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board Chairperson Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, and senior management from the involved institutions. The public is encouraged to play their part in reducing the risk of water supply disruptions by using water sparingly, as the average consumption stands at 298 liters per capita per day, significantly above the international average of 173 liters.
The statement revealed that the core issue is the demand for treated water in eThekwini outpacing supply due to rapid population growth and significant leaks within the municipality’s water distribution system. This has led to the depletion of the city’s reservoirs, particularly affecting high-lying areas and regions far from the reservoirs, such as Chatsworth, Umlazi, Verulam, Tongaat, and Ntuzuma.
Further exacerbating the situation, a key uMngeni-uThukela Water pipeline was shut down last month for upgrades to the N3 highway, impacting water supply to Hillcrest and nearby areas. The pipeline is expected to resume operations on 27 February. Additionally, DWS-imposed restrictions on raw water abstraction from the uMngeni Water Supply System have contributed to supply challenges.
Efforts are underway to augment the water supply. The Hazelmere Dam wall was raised in 2023, doubling its storage capacity, and the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works capacity was increased to 75 million liters per day, with further expansion planned. UUW is constructing a dam and treatment plant on the Lower uMkhomazi River, while the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority is raising funds for a new dam and transfer tunnel on the upper uMkhomazi River.
eThekwini Municipality is implementing measures to bolster water supply, including two additional water re-use plants and seawater desalination projects through public-private partnerships. Major projects like the Southern Aqueduct and Northern Aqueduct upgrades are underway to enhance the water distribution system’s resilience and manage demand peaks.
The city approved a water and sanitation turnaround strategy in April 2023, focusing on reducing non-revenue water, improving leak repair, and disconnecting illegal connections. Measures to reduce water pressure and replace old pipes are also being implemented.
The meeting concluded with several measures, including considering formal water-use restrictions, temporarily lifting the curtailment due to recent rainfall, and continuing coordination meetings between the city, UUW, and DWS. Improved communication regarding water supply disruptions is also a priority.