THE eThekwini Municipality said that they are 82% done with Work Package 6 (WP6) of the Southern Aqueduct upgrade in Westville. The Southern Aqueduct supplies water to the Westcliff reservoir which supplies Yellowwood Park and Woodlands.

Also read: eThekwini commissions part of R1.1b aqueduct upgrade

Focused area

The new segment involves laying 1.85km of new 1600mm-diameter steel pipeline connecting the Southern Aqueduct to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works reservoir. The ageing infrastructure is progressively being decommissioned.

Progress report

Siduduzo Mtshali, project executive, said that the work done on WP6 highlights the municipality’s efforts to modernise bulk water infrastructure.

“The work being undertaken in Westville is critical to strengthening the resilience of the Southern Aqueduct. As we connect sections of the new pipeline, we are already seeing the benefits through reduced water losses associated with ageing infrastructure. The new pipeline will also provide additional capacity and greater operational flexibility within the bulk water network,” he said.

An integral part of the City

The Southern Aqueduct itself is often considered one of the City’s most vital pieces of bulk water infrastructure. It serves around 1.2 million residents, channelling water through an intricate network of 33 reservoirs. 

The existing bulk pipeline network, which is more than 50 years old, has grown increasingly susceptible to leaks and various failures, a direct consequence of its age. 

The 24km upgrade to the Southern Aqueduct is expected to enhance the overall water provision, curtail water losses and build a more enduring service delivery capacity.

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