Ugu announces upgrades to Umtamvuna water system

Ugu District Municipality recently announced that Eskom has implemented a scheduled electricity shutdown to facilitate the commissioning of temporary power supply to the Umtamvuna raw water abstraction pumps.

In a statement, Ugu said that this was an eight to 12-hour electricity shutdown.

The municipality said that this was to ensure the plant would benefit from a more stable and dependable electricity source.

It said that the project was initiated in response to heightened water demand, which could not be met due to insufficient electricity provision to the Umtamvuna facility.

Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, the mayor of Ugu, said a project was launched over a year ago to source additional power from the neighbouring Eastern Cape region.

Mqadi said the initiative encountered resistance from community members in the Eastern Cape.

“During this period, both the Port Edward to Southbroom coastal corridor and inland communities stretching from KwaNzimakwe to Izinqoleni experienced intermittent water supply, necessitating the implementation of water rationing as a remedial measure. Seeing the plight of our residents and ongoing challenges beyond our control, we had to come up with an alternative solution, sourcing from our internal funds,” said Mqadi.

He added that the upgrade to the power supply will enable the operation of additional raw water pumps, two of which have been installed in anticipation of this improvement.

Mqadi said once these high-capacity pumps are fully operational, the facility will achieve a considerable increase in the volume of raw water delivered to the purification plant, thereby enhancing storage levels at both the dam and associated reservoirs.

“It is anticipated that these advancements will progressively alleviate water rationing, contributing to the stabilisation and normalisation of water supply to all affected areas. Over the forthcoming three to five months, the principal objective is to eliminate the need for water rationing through systematic and sustainable enhancements. Restoring the dam to optimal capacity will provide both a safeguard and a reserve for the broader distribution network,” he said.

The mayor added that it was important to emphasise that this interim intervention serves as a preparatory step and does not supplant the comprehensive, long-term solution previously discussed with community stakeholders.

He said the ultimate goal remains the establishment of a dedicated power supply line from the substation directly to the Umtamvuna plant, accompanied by exemption from load shedding.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to residents for their patience and understanding throughout this transitional period and wish to thank all stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support. Together, we are committed to ensuring a sustainable and reliable water supply for the South Coast region”, he said.

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