ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELESE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The Executive Committee (EXCO) held a meeting today, 18 August 2026. Several resolutions were adopted to accelerate implementation and respond to current service delivery matters in the Municipality. These reports will proceed to Full Council for further deliberation and approval.
CITY INTENSIFIES INTERVENTIONS TO ADDRESS PROLONGED INTERMITTENT WATER SUPPLY
The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has intensified interventions to address prolonged intermittent water supply in several areas across the City, with a particular focus on communities experiencing persistent challenges due to infrastructure vandalism, high demand, illegal connections and constraints on bulk water availability.
The status of water supply was presented by the Management of the Water and Sanitation Directorate to the Executive Committee (EXCO) as part of a standing item to monitor areas experiencing prolonged intermittent supply and the interventions being implemented to improve water availability.
One of the major challenges affecting water supply is the repeated vandalism of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs), particularly in the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu areas. The vandalism of these critical components results in interruptions to water supply and requires the City to repeatedly replace damaged infrastructure. However, the rate of vandalism has placed significant pressure on available stocks.
In Ntuzuma, the City’s Security Management Unit has been assigned to undertake a security risk assessment to identify measures that can strengthen the protection of water infrastructure and reduce further vandalism.
The City is also experiencing increased pressure on the water network as a result of illegal connections and unplanned migration. In some areas, demand significantly exceeds the available bulk water supply from uMngeni system. This situation is compounded by rapid urbanisation, a lack of cadastrals and delays in the implementation of the Upper uMkhomazi Water Project.
INTERVENTIONS IN AFFECTED COMMUNITIES
In Ward 93, eZiko koBhengu, water supply has been restored . However, the system remains intermittent due to high demand, which continues to destabilise the KwaMakhutha Reservoir.
The City has also experienced repeated vandalism of newly installed infrastructure in the area, resulting in leaks and further disruptions to supply. Community engagement is being prioritised to raise awareness about the importance of protecting municipal water infrastructure.
Extensive leak detection and repairs are required due to the high number of illegal connections. Preparations are also underway for the disconnection of illegal connections.
In Ward 111, Esidweni, a project to install two standpipes has been completed and is currently being commissioned to improve access to water for the affected community.
In Umlazi F Section, water supply to Cyril Zulu Grove, which had been without water for several years, has been restored following various interventions by the Water and Sanitation Directorate. However, high-lying roads continue to experience low pressure when the Umlazi 2 Reservoir level is low. Various Non-Revenue Water interventions are underway in the Umlazi 2 supply zone to stabilise reservoir levels.
Across the City, resources are being allocated towards pressure management and extensive leak detection, with these interventions expected to continue until the end of October 2026.
Areas experiencing intermittent supply are subject to night-time water shutdowns to allow reservoirs and the distribution system to recover overnight. Some of these areas are supplemented through boreholes, while Water and Sanitation teams continue with extensive leak detection and pressure management to reduce water losses and improve system stability.
The completion of the Upper uMkhomazi Dam remains critical to augmenting bulk water supply and addressing the growing demand across the City.
The City also continues to prioritise the completion of the Southern Aqueduct bulk pipeline, which is a key intervention to improve bulk water supply to the southern parts of the City. A rationing schedule remains in place until bulk water supply improves.
Boreholes have been installed in some areas, while water tankers are being deployed where necessary to supplement supply.
On the Northern Aqueduct, the City has commenced a project to reinstate the pressure zone supplying Newlands 1 Reservoir. The reservoir supplies areas including Castlehill, B5, Westridge, River Dene, Newlands West, Earslfield and Briardale.
The project is intended to improve pressure management and minimise the number of pipe bursts within the affected supply zone.
In Phoenix 1, pipe replacement and rezoning to the new Blackburn Reservoir are being undertaken as part of efforts to improve water supply.
Phoenix 2 continues to experience night-time shutdowns due to increased demand, with at least 70 percent of households reportedly connected directly to the mains, placing significant pressure on the system.
MEMORUNDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH AWARE ORG FOR ENHANCED LAW ENFORCEMENT
In a move aimed at strengthening public safety and proactive law enforcement, the Executive Committee (EXCO) has approved the Metro Police Service’s proposed partnership with AWARE.Org and NPO, the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) will provide a framework for collaboration on law enforcement initiatives, with particular focus on addressing criminal activities associated with alcohol misuse and abuse.
As part of the agreement, EXCO approved the acceptance of equipment and resources to be donated by AWARE.Org in support of municipal by-law enforcement operations. The acceptance of the donated resources will be subject to the Municipality’s applicable asset management procedures and legal requirements.
The donated equipment and resources will assist the Metro Police Service in enhancing operational visibility in identified crime hotspots and high-risk areas. This will strengthen the ability of Metro Police to conduct visible, proactive law enforcement operations and support crime prevention initiatives.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
