ONGOING challenges to the South Coast Augmentation Pipeline (SCA) have led eThekwini Municipality to deploy a team of highly skilled personnel to assess parts of the pipeline following a drastic reduction of inflow to some areas in the south and central regions.

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In a statement, eThekwini Municipality said the 24km aqueduct conveys potable water from uMngeni-uThukela’s Durban Heights Water Treatment Works to 26 reservoirs in the south and central areas. The water treatment works experienced an increase in demand during the summer season.

“The increase in water demand, especially during the current heatwave, has led to low pressure resulting in no water supply in critical points in all the supply systems. That includes the tail end of each of the systems and high-level zones,” it said.

Demand in the SCA currently exceeds supply by around 100 megalitres per day.

As a short-term intervention, water tankers continue to supply water to affected residents until the system fully recovers. Areas that have been hit hard by the shortages include parts of Isipingo and Folweni. In Isipingo, the situation was made worse by a burst water pipe on Baltex Road in Prospecton, affecting several suburbs in the ward on January 26. Municipal plumbers isolated the burst and repairs were done.

Residents are urged to continue to use water sparingly. For more information regarding water supply, the public can download eThekwini Municipality’s mobile app to log faults or send a WhatsApp message to 073 1483 477. Alternatively, email Eservices@durban.gov.za or call the toll-free number on 080 311 1111.

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