DURBAN – EThekwini Metro announced on Saturday that water restrictions will be implemented in some areas in the north, south and inner west of the city to build up water storage and stabilise the water-reticulation system.
Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said the City has made significant progress to restore water supply in many areas and continues working round the clock on repairs.
He said through various interventions by the municipality and Umgeni Water, raw water supply to the Durban Heights Water-Treatment Plant (WTP) is increasing.
“To stabilise the water reticulation system, the municipality is implementing water restrictions (rationing) with immediate effect in some areas in the north, south and inner west to build up storage. This is to ensure that reservoirs have enough water supply and prevent them from becoming empty,” said Mayisela.
Mayisela said other areas in the City are not being rationed as there is already a constrained supply, and applying the restriction could lead to the total collapse of the water-supply systems.
He further explained that the rationing schedule is based on the shortfall supply from the Durban Heights Water-Treatment Plant and the South Coast Augmentation Pipeline.
According to Mayisela, the plant and pipeline repairs are nearing completion.
“Therefore, there is no set time for restrictions. Various reticulation supply pipeline repairs are in progress, but some areas require extensive upgrades, which could take some time.”
He said the City continues to dispatch tankers to supply water to residents in the interim.
“The municipality acknowledges and apologises for the frustration to communities caused by the water challenges. Despite this frustration, communities are urged to ensure unhindered access to water tankers for everyone,” said Mayisela.
Click here for the list of areas that are subject to water rationing: https://bit.ly/395TbtX
Details for the water call centre are as follows:
Toll free: 0801 313013 or 0800 311111.
WhatsApp: 073 148 3477.
Email: [email protected].
Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu together with the mayors of Ilembe, Ugu and eThekwini will hold a briefing on the repairs to water infrastructure on Sunday, due to the damage caused by the recent severe flooding in KZN.
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