THE eThekwini Municipality’s major bulk water infrastructure project, the Southern Aqueduct, is nearing completion, with key sections scheduled for commissioning in the coming months.

The project will significantly strengthen water security, reduce system losses, and enhance long-term supply reliability for communities in the southern and central regions.

Construction continues to progress steadily, with major pipeline installations largely complete in portions of work packages one to three.

This progress update was presented to members of the media during an oversight visit to the project site in Moseley Park near Pinetown on Friday, February 27.

The visit provided an opportunity for municipal officials to assess construction milestones first-hand and to outline the next phases of implementation.

The media was also briefed on the project’s timelines, current completion percentages across work packages, and the anticipated commissioning schedule.

The existing bulk pipeline, now more than 50 years old, was originally constructed as a twin steel and concrete line.

Over time, it deteriorated and became increasingly prone to major leaks, prompting the City to undertake the upgrade of the 24km bulk pipeline currently under construction.

The Southern Aqueduct is being implemented in phases, with each section referred to as a “work package”.

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This phased approach enables construction to proceed in manageable segments while maintaining operational stability across the network.

Work package one, which runs from Shallcross Road to the Chatsworth Reservoir, is more than 90% complete and is scheduled for commissioning in April.

Project Executive Sduduzo Mtshali said the project is already delivering measurable benefits.

“While construction has been underway, our teams have identified and repaired leaks on the existing bulk pipeline network. These interventions have improved water flow and reduced system losses, demonstrating the project’s immediate value even before full completion,” said Mtshali.

Work package two is currently 74% complete and remains on track for commissioning in June.

This section of steel water main connects Shallcross to the Northdene area.

In addition to pipeline installation, the project includes the construction of chambers, installation of valves, and other critical supporting infrastructure.

Once completed, the upgraded 24km bulk pipeline will supply 33 reservoirs and significantly improve water provision to communities in the south and central areas, including uMlazi, Folweni, Shallcross, Klaarwater and Northdene.

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