The eThekwini Municipality has released a statement advising residents that from Monday, June 20, water rationing will be implemented in certain parts of Durban. Areas that are supplied by the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant, which is operated and managed by Umgeni Water, will be affected.

According to Municipal spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela, water rationing is necessary due to reduced water supply from the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant.

“This shortfall has been caused, and will remain for the next 10-12 months, because Umgeni Water is unable to receive adequate raw water from Nagle Dam. This is because of extensive damage to two raw water pipelines during the April 2022 heavy rainfall,” he said.

Mayisela says that while Umgeni Water continues to make progress in providing full contracted volumes of drinking water to eThekwini, the shortfall can only be eradicated when the damaged pipelines are repaired and recommissioned.

According to a work schedule provided to Umgeni Water by the appointed contractor, repairs to the damaged pipes are expected to be completed by June 2023.

To effectively manage this shortfall, so that affected areas have access to some water for some parts of the day, eThekwini has introduced a system of rotational supply so that distribution is balanced on an equitable basis.

This system will remain in place until repairs to the pipelines are completed.

Some of the following areas will be affected by water rationing:

• Avoca, Effingham, Red Hill, Greenwood Park and Durban North.
• Sunningdale, La Lucia, Glenashley and Umhlanga.
• Queensburgh, Malvern and Northdene.
• Berea West and Westville central.

Find the water rationing schedule, taking effect on Monday here:

EThekwini Water Rationing Schedule