Durban businesses are warning that persistent water supply interruptions across eThekwini are taking a toll on operations, with some businesses forced to close when taps run dry.
The latest disruption is expected to begin at 06:00 on Wednesday and continue until Friday morning, as the City carries out work on a 950mm pre-stressed concrete pipeline along the Southern Aqueduct.
The shutdown is intended to allow contractors to undertake preparatory work for the new Southern Aqueduct Pipeline Upgrade Project.
Several communities, including Pinetown, Chatsworth and Umlazi, are expected to experience reduced water supply during the planned shutdown.
The municipality has warned residents and businesses that bulk water supply through the Southern Aqueduct will be reduced. However, the existing 1 200mm steel pipeline will remain operational and continue supplying the Western, Central and Southern regions.
The City also says sectional repair work will take place at the intersection of Perth and Hi Wycombe roads in Westville.
Businesses say the repeated interruptions are making it increasingly difficult to operate, particularly for establishments that rely heavily on a consistent water supply.
The municipality says it will closely monitor reservoir levels throughout the shutdown. Depending on water demand and available storage, reservoir outlets may be closed to preserve supplies and reduce the time needed for the system to recover.
Areas affected
Central Region
Affected areas include parts of Farningham Ridge, Hillary, Malvern, Mount Vernon, Queensburgh, Queensmead Industrial, Shallcross, Moseley Park, Nirvana Hills, Northdene, Coedmore, Umbilo, Umhlathuzana, Umkhumbaan, Chatsworth, Arena Park, Bulbul, Crossmoor, Enhlanzeni, Ezinyathini, Klaarwater, Kwamgaga, Montford, Moorton, Phumphele, Risecliff, Silverglen, Welbedagt East and West, Westcliff, Woodhurst, Savannah Park, Harinager and St Wendolins Ridge.
Reservoirs expected to be affected include Northdene 1 and 2, Firwood, Ridley Park, Chatsworth 1 to 4, Shallcross, Harinager, Klaarwater and Westcliff.
Southern Region
Umlazi is expected to experience disruptions across several sections, including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, Z, AA, BB and CC.
Other affected areas include Ensimbini, Ntabankulu, Draaihoek, Mahlabathini, Mangamazini, Mkhazini, Folweni, Golokodo, Dodoza and Isiphingo Esincane.
Pinetown South System
The affected areas include Klaarwater, Phumphele, St Wendolins, parts of Nsizwaqkazi, Savannah Park, Wiltshire Factories, Washington Heights, Regency Park, Latana, Hlanganisa, Gwala Road, Sarjoo Road, Demat, Progress Road, Mawelewele, Intake Road, Luganda, parts of Nagina Township, Khoseleni, Sthundu Hills, Dambuza, Bell Tower Road, Grasmere Road and Mpongo Road.
Residents and businesses in affected areas have been urged to make the necessary preparations and store sufficient water ahead of the planned shutdown.
The latest interruption comes amid growing frustration over repeated water supply challenges across eThekwini, with businesses warning that prolonged outages could continue to affect trade and livelihoods.