The eThekwini Municipality has announced an urgent shutdown of outflows at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works to prevent a potential system collapse and to build critical storage reserves.
The temporary shutdown, undertaken in partnership with bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela, is aimed at increasing water flow to the City’s reservoirs. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy first communicated on 15 May, and such shutdowns will continue periodically until the water system stabilises.
The Municipality anticipates that storage levels will improve overnight, enabling outflows to resume. However, consumers are advised that water supply interruptions may persist during the recovery period.
Affected Areas
Central System:
Bulwer, Congella, Glenwood, Sea View, Chesterville, Umbilo, Bonela, Isiphingo Beach, Isiphingo Rail, Orient Hills, Bluff, Prospecton Industrial, various sections of uMlazi (T, V, U, Y, A), Malaba Hills, Reunion, Ezimbokodweni, Lotus Park, Malukazi, Durban Old Airport, Jacobs, Sherwood, Merebank East, Merewent, Mobeni, Mobeni West, Bayhead, Beach, Bachwood, Cave Rock, Durban CBD, Durban Beachfront, Old Fort, Point, South Beach, Stamford Hill, Warwick, Austerville, Brighton Beach, Stanvac, Wentworth, Clairwood, Montclair, Rossburgh, Woodlands, and parts of Morningside, Overport, Essenwood, Westridge, Carrington Heights, Mobeni Heights, and Lamontville.
South System:
Athlone Park, Amanzimtoti CBD, Arbour Crossing, Galleria Mall, Kingsway Hospital, Two Cancer Centres, Lewis Drive, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Launceston, Illovo Beach, Karridene Protea Hotel, Panorama Park, Umgababa, Umnini, Area Africa, Mfume, KwaSoni, Mashiwase, Nkwali, Lovu (Phases 1, 3, A, B, C), Bhekulwandle, Msarhweni, Lovu Landfill, Inkwali, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, eMasomini, Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, Ohlongeni, D1060, Adams (Central), Zwelisha, Ilfracombe, Magabheni, Ehlanzeni, Thoyane, Umkhomazi, Craigieburn, Amahlongwa, Amalundi, Crowder Farm, Clansthal, Saiccor Village, Naidooville, V-Section, and Lewis Drive.
Public Assistance
Residents experiencing issues are encouraged to:
-
Download the eThekwini Municipality mobile app to report faults,
-
Send a WhatsApp message to 073 148 3477,
-
Call the toll-free line 080 311 1111, or
-
Email Eservices@durban.gov.za.
The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates the public’s patience as it works to stabilise the water supply system.
Issued by:
eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit
Date: 20 May 2025