Ethekwini shuts down water pipeline for repairs: Residents have to brace for taps further running dry

DURBAN - Ethekwini residents will be affected by more water outages as the city plans to shutdown the northern pipeline for repairs. 

City officials said the maintenance would assist to increase water flow to northern areas. 

It has been months since some areas in Durban have had to deal with taps running dry - especially Uthongathi, Verulam and Phoenix.

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has largely attributed its water woes to flood damage and ageing infrastructure.

“As part of continuous efforts to restore water supply to areas that have been experiencing prolonged water outages in the north, the municipal technical teams will on Tuesday, 20 February at 5pm shutdown the northern aqueduct pipeline to install new valves.” 

City of Ethekwini spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said residents must expect another water shutdown next week. 

She said this is due to ongoing repairs to restore water in affected communities. 

“The shutdown of this pipeline that carries water from Durban heights treatment works to the areas in the north will result in interruption of water supply while work is being undertaken.” 

The city has since failed to meet its deadline to have water fully restored this week as promised. 

At the same time Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu is on Friday visiting the city assessing the issue.