Over 150 000 people should experience improved water provision following the long-awaited completion of upgrades at the Maphumulo Water Treatment Works.

Residents in surrounding communities previously received water in a system known as ‘Vula-Vala’, rotating services weekly between wards. Practically, that meant no water in taps for weeks at a time until the service rotated back.

The upgrade, undertaken by uMngeni-uThukela Water, increased production capacity from 7.5 to 12 megalitres (million litres) per day in November last year. Pumps and pipelines were also upgraded, while a weir was constructed on the Hlimbitwa River.

The project was unveiled by water and sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina on Sunday, marking the start of National Water Month.

“This significant increase in production capacity in the upgraded plant has improved the management of reservoirs which are now sustaining adequate and healthy levels over a period of time,” said Majodina.

Work is far from complete, however. Mechanical failures, electricity interruptions and water quality challenges at the bulk supplier’s plant have prevented consistent production of the full 12 megalitres per day.

Maphumulo’s water demand of 21 megalitres per day also means ‘Vula-Vala’ type scheduling is still in effect, even if to a lesser degree.

iLembe district municipality mayor Thobani Shandu said that stabilising operations is now the focus.

“Capacity on paper must translate to consistency in the pipes,” he said.

iLembe has long struggled to get the most out of its ageing infrastructure, losing over 40% of water through leaks and breakdowns in the last financial year.

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