Residents in several areas south of Durban could soon experience improved water supply as the multi-billion-rand uMkhomazi Water Scheme enters its final phase of construction.
The R11 billion project, aimed at strengthening water security across the municipality, is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year.
Members of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group visited the construction site this week to assess progress on the major infrastructure development.
According to the eThekwini Municipality, the scheme will draw water from the uMkhomazi River and supply up to 75 megalitres of water per day to the city once operational.
The additional capacity is expected to significantly improve water availability in communities including Isipingo, Umgababa, Chatsworth and Umlazi, which have experienced ongoing supply challenges.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba described the project as a critical intervention to address water shortages and improve the long-term reliability of the municipality’s water infrastructure.
Xaba said investment in the Southern Aqueduct forms a key part of the project, which includes the construction of a 24-kilometre pipeline designed to transport water to affected communities.
“With our investment in the Southern Aqueduct, we hope that by the end of the year, when this project is complete, we will see improved water supply extending to Shaw Cross, Chatsworth, Umlazi and surrounding areas,” he said.
The completion of the uMkhomazi Water Scheme is expected to provide much-needed relief to thousands of residents while strengthening the city's capacity to meet growing water demand in the years ahead.