WORK on the installation of the southern aqueduct, which supplies water to more than 1 200 000 people, between Reservoir Hills and the South Coast is progressing well, with the December deadline for the project’s completion on track to be met.

Also read: Umkhomazi water tender sparks legal battle

This was revealed by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba during a briefing on key City matters on February 22. The R1.2b project entails replacing a 70-year-old 950mm diameter concrete pipe with a new 1 200mm diameter steel one. The 24km bulk water pipeline supplies 33 reservoirs. He said the City’s long-term solution to water supply challenges is the construction of the 100-megalitre Umkhomazi Dam.

“We are pleased to report that the project is firmly back on track after suffering court action. The parties to the dispute have found each other and are working collaboratively to accelerate implementation. This R24b project will provide eThekwini Municipality with an additional 60 megalitres of water supply,” said Xaba.

The uMkhomazi Bulk Water Scheme project’s progress was affected after the losing company challenged its loss on a R7b tender in court.

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