Several areas in eThekwini will face water rationing due to rising demand that continues to exceed available supply, placing significant strain on the city’s water system. City spokesperson Gugu Sisilana explained that the situation has been worsened by a reduction in bulk water supply since uMngeni-uThukela Water implemented water curtailments in October last year.
The water rationing measures will be implemented in areas served by Reservoir 2 at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, including Umlazi, Westville, and Queensburgh. This decision comes just days after Mayor Cyril Xaba announced plans to present the city’s water and sanitation turnaround strategy business plan next week, aimed at addressing the ongoing water challenges.
Sisilana emphasized that the rationing measures are designed to help build storage capacity and ensure equitable distribution of water. "Rationing is done to build storage, and water will be reopened once sufficient levels are reached. It is also done rotationally to ensure fair distribution," she explained.
The city also reiterated its warning against the connection of static tanks to the municipal reticulation network, which can disrupt the equitable sharing of water. "Too many static tanks cause water to fill them first, depleting reservoirs quickly," said Sisilana. Residents are encouraged to engage in rainwater harvesting to supplement their water supply and help mitigate the impact of rationing.