The eThekwini Municipality has implemented an emergency shutdown of outflows from the Wiggins Water Treatment Works in a bid to prevent a full system collapse amid soaring water demand.
City officials say the move is a necessary short-term measure to ease pressure on the water treatment plant and allow reservoir storage levels to recover. The municipality is working closely with bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela Water to find a sustainable, long-term solution to the crisis.
“This decision was not taken lightly, but it is essential to stabilise the supply network and prevent a total failure,” the municipality said in a statement.
As a result, widespread water supply interruptions are expected in several areas, particularly across the Central and Southern regions of Durban. The city has urged residents to use water sparingly during the recovery period.
Areas Affected – Central System:
Bulwer, Congella, Glenwood, Seaview, Chesterville, Umbilo, Bonela, Isipingo Beach, Isipingo Rail, Orient Hills, Bluff, Prospecton Industrial, uMlazi T, Malaba Hills, Reunion, uMlazi V, uMlazi Mission A, Ezimbokodweni, Lotus Park, Malukazi, uMlazi U, uMlazi Y, Durban Old Airport, Jacobs, Sherwood, Merebank East, Merewent, Mobeni, Mobeni West, Bayhead, Beach, Bachwood, Cave Rock, Durban CBD, Durban Beachfront, Old Fort, Point, South Beach, Stamford Hill, Warwick, Austerville, Brighton Beach, Stanvac, Wentworth, Clairwood, Montclair, Rossburgh, Woodlands, and parts of Morningside, Overport, Essenwood, Westridge, Carrington Heights, Mobeni Heights, Lamontville.
Notable sites include: Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.
Areas Affected – South System:
Athlone Park, Galleria Mall, Arbour Crossing, Kingsway Hospital, two cancer centres, Ezimbokodweni, Southgate Industrial Park, Lewis Drive, Amanzimtoti CBD, Almond, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Launceston, Illovo Beach, Karridene Protea Hotel, Panorama Park, Umgababa, Umnini, Area Africa, Mfume, KwaSoni, Mashiwase, Nkwali, Lovu A, B, and C, Bhekulwandle, Msarhweni, Lovu Phase 1 and 3, Lovu Landfill, Inkwali, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, eMasomini, Ekuhlengeni Psychiatric Hospital, Ohlongeni, D1060, Adams, Adams Central, Zwelisha, Ilfracombe, Magabheni, Ehlanzeni, Thoyane, Umkhomazi, Craigieburn, Amahlongwa, Amalundi, Crowder Farm, Malukazi, Clansthal, V-Section, Malundi, Saiccor Village, and Naidooville.
The city says updates will be provided as recovery efforts continue and reservoir levels stabilise. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report any critical water-related concerns to the municipality’s emergency services.