Major new project set to boost water supply in Durban South areas
· The South African
Thousands of residents in Durban’s southern communities could soon see improvements in their water supply as a major infrastructure project moves closer to completion.
The first phase of the uMkhomazi Water Scheme, one of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest water projects, is now in its final stages, with engineers and project teams completing the last outstanding works ahead of commissioning.
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Once operational, the scheme will draw raw water from the uMkhomazi River and help boost supply to several areas in Durban South, including Isipingo, Umbogintwini, Umgababa and Craigieburn.
A major step towards improved water security in Durban South
Officials say the project is expected to be completed before the end of 2026, marking an important milestone in improving water security across the municipality.
The scheme forms part of a much larger R11 billion programme that includes the construction of a storage dam, water abstraction infrastructure and a water treatment plant.
According to eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, the progress is continuing on the broader project, with a contractor recently appointed to begin work on the second phase of the water treatment works.
“This is the final phase of the R11 billion project,” Xaba said.
When fully completed, the scheme is expected to produce 100 megalitres of water per day, with 75 megalitres allocated to eThekwini Municipality.
According to the mayor, this volume will be enough to supply communities stretching from Isipingo to uMkhomazi.
Delays, but progress continues
Like many large infrastructure projects, the uMkhomazi Water Scheme has faced delays.
Xaba noted that legal processes slowed progress at various stages, but said Umngeni-uThukela Water remains committed to ensuring communities begin receiving water from the scheme by the end of next year.
The completion of the first phase is therefore being viewed as a significant step towards achieving that goal.