A multi-billion-rand water infrastructure programme is helping strengthen water security, improve service delivery and create more reliable access to water for communities across eThekwini.
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality is making significant progress on several major water infrastructure projects aimed at improving long-term water security and ensuring a more stable water supply for residents across Durban and surrounding areas.
At the centre of these efforts is the R11 billion Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, one of the largest water infrastructure projects currently under development in South Africa. The project includes a new storage dam, water abstraction point and water treatment works that will ultimately deliver 100 megalitres of water per day.
Of this capacity, 75 megalitres will be allocated to eThekwini Municipality, providing sufficient supply for communities stretching from Isipingo to uMkhomazi. Water currently serving these areas will then be redirected to central, northern and outer western regions, helping to strengthen overall supply across the city.
Speaking during a media briefing on the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the municipality is beginning to see the benefits of major infrastructure investments.
The project recently entered its second phase, which focuses on potable water infrastructure, including a new water treatment facility, gravity pipelines and expanded reservoir capacity.
“Last week, we introduced the contractor who will commence with the second phase of the Water Treatment Works. Although the project was delayed by legal processes, Umgeni-uThukela Water has committed to ensuring that, by the end of next year, we will begin receiving water from this scheme,” said Xaba.
The municipality is also making progress on the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct Project, which involves replacing a 70-year-old concrete pipeline with a larger steel pipeline designed to improve water distribution and reduce losses across the network.
Once completed, the upgraded system will benefit approximately 1.2 million residents by improving water reliability from Durban Central to the southern regions of the city. The project supplies water through 33 reservoirs and is regarded as one of the municipality’s most important bulk water infrastructure investments.
According to Xaba, several work packages have already been completed and commissioned, with the full project expected to be completed by December 2026.
The city has also reported improvements in water supply stability following investments in the Northern Aqueduct and the refurbishment of the Ntuzuma Pump Station. For the first time in five years, all bulk water reservoirs remained stable throughout the festive season, with major treatment works operating at full capacity.
The infrastructure programme forms part of broader efforts by the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to accelerate development projects, improve service delivery and strengthen collaboration between national, provincial and local government.
As construction continues, these investments are expected to support economic growth, improve quality of life and help build a more resilient water network capable of meeting the needs of a growing population.
