Durban residents face a significant water supply interruption due to essential infrastructure upgrades.
The eThekwini Municipality has announced a planned shutdown of the Southern Aqueduct bulk water system on Tuesday, 23 June, from 06:00 to 18:00. This interruption will affect various communities as part of ongoing efforts to enhance water supply reliability.
Durban’s Water Supply Shutdown Details
The planned shutdown is necessary for contractors to perform preparatory work for the new Southern Aqueduct Pipeline Project. This project involves upgrading the 24-kilometre Southern Aqueduct bulk pipeline, which is crucial for strengthening water security in the region.
During the shutdown, the Water Operations Unit will monitor reservoir levels closely. Some reservoir outlets may be temporarily closed to conserve water reserves, ensuring a quicker recovery once the system is restored.
Areas Impacted by the Water Interruption
Several communities will experience disruptions, particularly in the Inner West, Central, and South regions of Durban. Key areas affected include Dawncliffe, Westville, Northdene, Farningham Ridge, and Umlazi, among others.
Residents in these areas are advised to store enough water in advance and use their supplies wisely during the interruption. The municipality has expressed its apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.
Next Steps for Residents
- Residents should store sufficient water before the shutdown.
- Use available water supplies sparingly during the interruption.
- Expect restoration of the water supply by 18:00 on 23 June.
Durban’s water supply interruption is a necessary step towards improving infrastructure and service delivery.
