The eThekwini Municipality has announced an emergency shutdown of the outflows at the Wiggins Water Treatment Works in a bid to replenish water storage reserves and avert a potential collapse of the city's water distribution network.
In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the municipality confirmed that no water is currently being pumped from the Wiggins facility into the city's supply system. The decision, taken by uMngeni-uThukela Water, is part of a critical measure to ease pressure on the overburdened treatment works and allow time for reservoirs to recover.
“This shutdown is necessary to reduce high demand and restore sufficient storage levels. If successful, outflows may resume later today. However, intermittent interruptions may continue until the system stabilises,” the notice read.
The municipality has urged residents and businesses to use water sparingly during this period to avoid further depletion of remaining reserves.
Widespread Impact on Central and Southern Areas
The shutdown affects large sections of both the Central and Southern water supply systems. Areas experiencing water outages include:
- Central system: Glenwood, Umbilo, Sea View, Durban CBD, Point, South Beach, Bluff, Sherwood, Mobeni, uMlazi sections, Prospecton Industrial, Jacobs, Merebank, Montclair, Rossburgh, Overport, Essenwood, Carrington Heights, and Prince Mshiyeni Hospital, among others.
- South system: Amanzimtoti CBD, Athlone Park, Galleria Mall, Kingsway Hospital, Warner Beach, Umgababa, Lovu, KwaMakhutha, Magabheni, Craigieburn, and surrounding communities.
Residents are advised that this process may be repeated in the coming days if necessary, to ensure full system recovery.
Customer Support and Queries
The municipality apologised for the inconvenience and provided several platforms for affected residents to report issues or seek updates. Residents can use the eThekwini Municipality mobile app, send a WhatsApp message to 073 148 3477, call the toll-free line 080 311 1111, or email EServices@durban.gov.za.
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality Communications Unit