The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is undertaking multi-billion-rand water infrastructure projects, investing billions of rand into extensive water infrastructure projects to enhance and secure its water supply system. These projects include upgrades and new developments across various parts of the municipality. A significant component of this investment is Phase 2 of the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, which is budgeted at R11 billion. This substantial financial commitment aims to address long-term water security challenges and improve service delivery for residents within the eThekwini region. The municipality's initiatives are designed to bolster its capacity to provide reliable water access, ensuring a more resilient water supply for its growing population.
Lower uMkhomazi Scheme Details
The Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme has now entered its second phase of development, marking a key step in the region's water security strategy. Upon completion, the scheme is projected to produce a substantial volume of 100 megalitres of water per day. Of this total, 75 megalitres will be supplied directly to the eThekwini Municipality, significantly boosting its available water resources. This volume is anticipated to be sufficient to provide water to all areas in the southern region, extending from Isipingo to uMkhomazi. The enhanced supply from the Lower uMkhomazi scheme is strategic, as the water currently supplied to these southern areas will be redirected. This redirection will allow for its allocation to central, northern, and outer western regions of the municipality, thereby optimizing distribution across the entire metropolitan area and addressing supply needs in other critical zones.
Phase 1 of the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme previously focused on the raw water components, specifically developing the Ngwadini and Goodenough systems. These initial works laid the groundwork for the subsequent phases. Phase 2 of the project will deliver the necessary potable water infrastructure, transforming raw water into safe drinking water for residents. This includes the construction of a 100 megalitre per day water treatment facility, a critical component for ensuring water quality. Additionally, the project involves the installation of new gravity pipelines, which will efficiently transport treated water, and an expansion of existing reservoir capacity to store and regulate supply. Umgeni-uThukela Water has committed to initiating water supply from the Lower uMkhomazi scheme by the end of 2027, setting a clear timeline for the anticipated benefits to begin reaching communities.
Southern Aqueduct Upgrade Progress
The Southern Aqueduct Project, a R1.2 billion, 24 km bulk pipeline, represents another vital infrastructure undertaking. This extensive project involves replacing a 70-year-old, 900 mm diameter concrete pipe with a new 1 200 mm diameter steel pipe, a significant upgrade designed to increase capacity and reliability. This upgrade project is expected to stabilize water supply from Durban Central to southern areas, mitigating risks associated with aging infrastructure. The Southern Aqueduct system currently plays a key role in the region's water distribution network, supplying water to approximately 1.2 million people through 33 reservoirs. The R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct upgrade project is expected to be completed by December 2026, promising long-term improvements to water access and stability.
Work Package One of the Southern Aqueduct upgrade has been commissioned, marking a significant milestone in the project's progression. This commissioned section comprises approximately four kilometres of new steel pipeline, providing immediate benefits to the connected areas. This section specifically connects the Westcliff Reservoir, Chatsworth Reservoir 1, and downstream reservoirs in Umlazi, enhancing the resilience of the supply network to these communities. Work Package Three of the Southern Aqueduct upgrade remains on track for commissioning at the end of May 2026, indicating continued progress across the project. Pipe installation for this package was scheduled to commence on 27 May 2026 on Northbourne Road in Westville, initiating the physical deployment of new infrastructure. Delays were experienced in the preparatory phase of the Southern Aqueduct upgrade due to the presence of fibre and electrical cables within the construction area, necessitating careful coordination and relocation efforts before major pipeline work could proceed.
Recent Supply Stability and Context
For the first time in five years, all bulk water reservoirs across eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality remained stable throughout the recent festive season, a testament to the ongoing investment and operational improvements. During this period, the Durban Heights, Wiggins, and Midmar Treatment Works operated at full capacity, contributing to the consistent supply experienced by residents. Investments in the Northern Aqueduct and the refurbishment and upgrade of the Ntuzuma Pump Station have specifically stabilized water supply in the northern areas of the municipality, addressing historical challenges in these regions. However, despite these advancements, emergency water rationing was implemented until 27 May 2026, following a scheduled shutdown and tie-in works, due to the system's inability to operate at full capacity during that specific timeframe. This temporary measure was necessary to manage demand while essential maintenance and integration work were completed, showing the dynamic nature of managing a complex urban water supply system.
