Construction of the first phase of the Umkhomazi Water Scheme is nearing completion, with only minor work being attended to by engineers and project managers.

The project is expected to be commissioned before the end of this year, and will abstract raw water from the Umkhomazi River to augment supply to Durban South areas, including Isipingo, Umbogintwini, Umgababa and Craigieburn.

Members of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), together with a delegation from the presidency, national and provincial departments, the eThekwini Municipality leadership and media teams conducted a construction site visit last Thursday.

The delegation was taken through a technical briefing, site walkabout, and received an update on progress of this critical infrastructure project aimed at addressing intermittent water supply challenges in the south of Durban.

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba thereafter outlined key milestones achieved by the city with the support of the PeWG.

This mega water scheme has been described by eThekwini as a catalytic infrastructure project set to transform water security, support economic growth, and improve the quality of life for communities across the municipality.

The project is also expected to boost investor confidence and contribute to renewed economic activity in the region.

“We are making significant strides with the Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme,” said Xaba.

“A week prior we introduced the contractor who will commence with the second phase of the water treatment works. This is the final phase of the R11b project, which includes a storage dam, a water abstraction point, and a water treatment plant.”

On completion, the project will produce 100 megalitres of water per day, of which 75 megalitres will be supplied to eThekwini Municipality. This volume will be sufficient to supply all areas in the south from Isipingo to Umkomaas.

Xaba also noted that although the project experienced delays due to legal processes, Umngeni-uThukela Water has committed to ensuring that communities will begin receiving water from the scheme by the end of next year.

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