Umhlanga, Durban North could face water woes after pump failure
Residents across north Durban could face reduced water availability after a pump failure at the Durban Heights Treatment Works on Monday.
UMHLANGA and Durban North residents could face reduced water availability following a technical failure of the pumps supplying Durban Heights Treatment Works on Monday.
The eThekwini Municipality and the city’s bulk water supplier, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW), issued a statement on Monday evening informing residents that the mechanical failure has resulted in reduced incoming water flows to the plant.
UUW spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo said the mechanical failure affected one of the four shaft pumps supplying raw water to the Durban Heights Waterworks. He said the affected pump contributes approximately 24% of the raw water supplied to the plant.
“This will temporarily affect the plant’s ability to meet eThekwini Municipality’s full bulk water requirement of approximately 600 megalitres per day,” said Maphumulo.
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He said UUW technical teams are working around the clock to repair the affected infrastructure and restore the lost 50 megalitres per day as soon as possible.
Municipal spokesperson Senzelwe Mzila said the reduced water supply is expected to affect areas supplied through the Northern Aqueduct and Mount Moriah Reservoir, which supplies Pinetown, as well as surrounding areas.
This includes Umhlanga CBD, La Lucia, Blackburn Village, Glen Anil, Glen Hills, Sunningdale, Avoca, Effingham, North Coast Road, Redhill, and Greenwood Park, among others, who have been urged to use water sparingly.
He said, “Residents in these areas may experience reduced water availability as the City manages the impact of the reduced bulk water supply. Residents in affected and surrounding areas are urged to use water sparingly and avoid unnecessary water wastage.
“This will assist the City in managing available water resources and, importantly, help prevent reservoirs from becoming depleted.”
UUW is undertaking repairs to the affected pumps. The repair work is expected to be completed by Thursday, October 8.
For more information regarding water supply, the public can download the eThekwini Municipality mobile app to report faults. Residents can also send a WhatsApp message to 073 148 3477, call the toll-free number 080 311 1111, or email services@durban.gov.za.
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