AS eThekwini Municipality addresses the increasing water demand in its southern and central areas, significant strides are being made on the ambitious Southern Aqueduct project.
Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba conducted an oversight visit recently to evaluate the construction progress on a pipeline section at Moseley Park, part of an initiative designed to meet the city's water needs.
Launched as one of the major infrastructural projects of 2024, the Southern Aqueduct consists of a substantial 24-kilometre bulk water pipeline, designed to enhance water accessibility for over 1.2 million residents in areas including Shallcross, Chatsworth, uMlazi, Folweni, and Queensburgh.
“I am excited with the progress I have seen today. The team is working round the clock to ensure completion,” said Xaba, expressing his satisfaction with the pace of construction.
The R1.2 billion initiative, which seeks to replace a pipeline that has surpassed its 50-year life span, comes in response to persistent leaks and other challenges associated with aging infrastructure.
“We are now upgrading it to meet the growing population, restoring it as two pipelines to ensure uninterrupted service even during maintenance work,” added the Mayor.
The city’s 2025/26 budget prioritises infrastructure reconstruction in the wake of recurring storm disasters, along with the bolstering of trading services and sustainability in service delivery, with R11.3 billion allocated for the total operating budget for water, including R5.3 billion dedicated to bulk purchases and R1.9 billion for free basic water services.
The capital budget earmarked for water services in the upcoming financial year is R1.15 billion, focusing on critical areas such as the Water Loss Intervention Programme and the replacement of ageing pipelines.
Key deliverables include:
Expanding infrastructure to enhance access, including adding around 2 000 new water connections and laying 79 kilometres of new water pipes.
Maintaining pump stations and pressure management systems.
Developing new infrastructure in communities lacking water networks.
Improving customer service with a target of responding to 75% of callouts within 24 hours.
In terms of sanitation, the city has allocated R3.3 billion to effectively manage the sewer network, targeting issues such as water leaks and clogged lines. Of this, R876 million will be used for free basic sanitation services. The capital budget for sanitation services amounts to R550.6 million, aimed at upgrading wastewater treatment facilities and investigating alternative sanitation solutions.
Deliverables for sanitation improvement include:
Upgrading bulk sewer facilities to accommodate population growth.
Implementing 7 386 new sewer connections and maintaining 13 wastewater treatment works.
Enhancing sanitation services in informal areas through improved hygiene and dignity technologies.
Ensuring compliance and proactive maintenance to mitigate environmental risks.
Responding to 75% of sanitation-related emergency calls within 24 hours.
Xaba said the budget acts as a binding contract between the Municipality and its residents, and the city is intensifying accountability through stricter internal controls, improved project monitoring, and the introduction of real-time performance dashboards linked to service delivery targets.