The eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has started the commissioning of two vital projects to improve water supply to some parts of the northern areas. 

The project includes the new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation (pipeline) and a water rising main (pipeline) from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir. 

Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Unit Deputy Head, Jabulani Mayise, said the commissioning of the 600mm diameter pipeline, which is 4.3 kilometres from Hazelmere to the Grange Reservoir, has been completed.

Mayise said since its completion, there has been noticeable improved water supply to areas, including Grange, Everest Heights, Redcliff, and the Osindisweni Hospital area.

Mayise added that the commissioning of the new Northern Aqueduct, which is currently underway, is set to improve water supply to areas, including Verulam and Phoenix, amongst others. 

“The new Northern Aqueduct Augmentation pipeline interconnects to the existing old aqueduct and aims to improve [the] flow of water supply to areas in the north. This will also help cater for new developments. 

“For now, we are commissioning for Verulam, Phoenix, and surrounding areas. Once we are done with this part, the pipeline will be commissioned to supply areas such as Cornubia and uMhlanga.”

The old Northern Aqueduct is a network of bulk supply pipelines that conveys water from the Durban Heights Treatment Works and supplies water to reservoirs in the north. 

The pipeline has been operating at a maximum capacity, and with the increased developments, including residential and commercial, there was a need for the implementation of the aqueduct augmentation. 

“Areas such as Verulam have been struggling to receive consistent water supply because their main reservoir, Mount View Reservoir, is at the end of the old Northern Aqueduct. The Mount View Reservoir supplies other downstream dependent reservoirs namely Trenence 1 and three reservoirs.”

While the city implements medium-term interventions to improve the situation, Mayise said the permanent solution to water supply challenges will be the commissioning of the Umkhomazi Dam, currently underway, which will increase water volumes throughout the city. – SAnews.gov.za