BUSINESS and communities in southern Durban will soon enjoy a stable, reliable water supply as the R11 billion Lower Umkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project reaches 50% completion.

eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba , joined by uMngeni-uThukela Water Board chaiperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, Trading Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Mdu Nkosi, and municipal technical teams conducted an oversight visit to assess progress made to date.

The project, spearheaded by uMngeni-uThukela Water, includes a dam, abstraction works, and a water treatment plant. Once complete, it will deliver 100 megalitres of water daily, 70 megalitres to eThekwini Municipality and 30 megalitres to Ugu District Municipality. Communities such as Isiphingo, Amanzimtoti, KwaMakhutha, Craigieburn, Umgababa, Mfume, Mnini, Magabheni, Thoyana, and Umkhomazi will see significant improvements in supply.

Construction began in 2023 but faced delays due to a court challenge over the tender process. With the dispute now resolved, work has resumed at pace, with teams aiming to finish ahead of schedule. Completion is expected in 2029.

Mayor Xaba praised the progress, noting that the additional supply will help balance distribution across the city. “Once we begin receiving 70 megalitres in the southern areas, we will be able to redirect this supply to the central and northern areas, thereby balancing water distribution across the City,” he said.

He added that the project is vital for attracting investment: “Building adequate water infrastructure is crucial for the City to attract much-needed investment. We are confident this project will unlock billions in investment, particularly in the south of Durban.”

In addition to the Lower Umkhomazi scheme, uMngeni-uThukela Water is advancing the R24 billion Upper Umkhomazi project, which will produce 600 megalitres of water daily. Of this, 400 megalitres will be allocated to eThekwini, offering a long-term solution to the city’s water challenges.