UMHLANGA ward councillor, Heinz de Boer, has urged residents to be patient as the Northern Aqueduct project nears completion. For weeks residents driving along Herrwood Drive and Prestondale have had to deal with a Stop/Go system with some residents taking to social media to vent. However, according to De Boer, the project should be completed in the next three weeks.

“The Northern Aqueduct Augmentation (NAA) Project is vital for the rapidly developing northern areas of the city. The project which comprises 22 kilometre of pipeline valued at R150-million should be completed in about two to three weeks. There are sections on Herrwood Drive which will be left open in a few spots because that’s where the valves are. If there is a leak then they need to shut the pipe as quickly as possible, or major damage will be caused. Once the pressure testing is done, the road will be resurfaced.

“The construction work in Prestondale is also nearing completion. I urge residents to bear with us and thank them for their patience. This aqueduct conveys potable water from Durban Heights Waterworks to a large number of terminal reservoirs in the system. These, in turn, supply water to residents and businesses. I understand the frustrations of the residents in the area but this project is much needed and has been handled professionally,” he said.