Water supply challenges continue to place pressure on the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, with officials warning that rising demand is outpacing existing infrastructure.
Municipal leaders say efforts are under way to expand water treatment capacity, upgrade facilities and extend connections to underserved communities. However, rapid population growth has made it increasingly difficult to meet demand.
Mayor Siphile Mdaka said significant investments have already been made in new treatment plants and infrastructure upgrades, but described water supply as a constantly shifting challenge.
He noted that census figures highlight the scale of the pressure, with the district’s population rising from about 625,000 in 2011 to nearly 738,000 in 2022.
Mdaka said the municipality is working closely with the Department of Water and Sanitation South Africa to address long-term supply constraints and improve service delivery.
He added that major infrastructure projects are currently underway, including the construction of new treatment plants and the expansion of reticulation systems to reach previously unserved areas.
The municipality says it has set clear timelines to improve water access, although officials acknowledge that sustained growth in demand continues to complicate efforts to fully resolve the crisis.