eThekwini Municipality is working to resolve ongoing water supply issues affecting areas southwest of Durban, including Moseley, parts of Northdene, parts of Malvern, and Queensburgh. The disruptions are primarily due to insufficient pressure in the Southern Aqueduct, which is unable to adequately supply the Northdene 3 Reservoir, which in turn feeds the Firwood Reservoir.
Ward 63 Councillor Chris Van den Berg expressed concern over the dire situation in Queensburgh, where residents have faced extended water outages. "People haven't had water for 60 days this year alone. They currently have no water, and the last time they had supply was last Sunday," he said.
In response, the city has stated that it is exploring medium- to long-term solutions, including resizing reservoir pumps and constructing an elevated tank at the Firwood Reservoir to help serve high-level zones. However, Van den Berg emphasized the need for more immediate action.
"The water department must address the outstanding leaks. Fixing these leaks will improve water supply to more people, more frequently, and reduce the need for rationing. This will also enable residents to receive water they can pay for, generating additional income for the city," he argued.
The current low pressure is impacting the Firwood Reservoir's ability to deliver sufficient water to high-lying areas. As the water level drops, the pressure required to supply these areas becomes inadequate, exacerbating the supply issue.