ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
The Executive Committee (EXCO) held a meeting today, 24 March, and adopted a series of key resolutions aimed at accelerating service delivery, strengthening infrastructure, and improving the quality of life for residents.
These matters will now be referred to Full Council for final consideration and approval.
WATER SUPPLY CONTINUES TO STABILISE
Water supply across eThekwini is steadily improving following the successful repair of a critical valve at Nagle Dam, which had previously disrupted raw water flows to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works.
Inflows at the treatment works have returned to normal levels, currently at 625, with outflows at 580.
Continuous water supply has now been restored in many areas.
However, demand is still being managed through curtailment measures to stabilise the system.
The Pinetown system has fully recovered, except for the Tshelimnyama M1 reservoir, which remains on evening shutdowns to support system stabilisation.
Areas supplied by the Southern Aqueduct have largely recovered.
However, parts of uMlazi, Folweni, and Shallcross remain on ongoing evening rationing due to existing supply constraints.
Similarly, areas supplied by the Northern Aqueduct have mostly recovered, except for parts of Newlands, KwaMashu, and Ntuzuma, where evening shutdowns are still being implemented due to system limitations.
The Amanzimtoti system is generally stable, although it has recently been impacted by various incidents.
The City is currently addressing repeated pipe bursts on the Tongaat South rising main, which are affecting water supply from the Tongaat Water Treatment Works.
UPDATE ON WATER AND SANITATION PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS CONTRACTS
The EThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) Directorate has provided EXCO with a comprehensive update on the progress of strategic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) aimed at strengthening water security, improving wastewater treatment capacity, and enhancing overall service delivery.
These PPP initiatives are currently at procurement phases, they form a core component of the Municipality’s broader reform agenda under the Metro Trading Services Reforms Programme (MTSRP), supporting long-term sustainability, operational efficiency, and infrastructure investment.
PERFORMANCE-BASED MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR NON-REVENUE WATER
EXCO was also briefed on the progress for the procurement of a Performance-Based Management Contract (PBMC) to augment EWS in addressing non-revenue water (NRW) challenges.
The PBMC will focus on reducing NRW in the Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu as pilot areas.
The City has to date issued Request for Proposal (RFP) to pre-qualified bidders, held tender briefing sessions, with the closing date for RFP submissions scheduled for 26 April.
The award is expected in July when all processes have been completed.
Water Reuse PPP Programme
EWS reported progress in the development of water reuse projects designed to augment potable water supply through innovative treatment solutions.
The flagship direct potable reuse project will produce at least 70 ML/day from both the Northern and KwaMashu wastewater treatment works.
This process involves advanced treatment of effluent to potable standards before being reintroduced directly into the Municipal water distribution system.
Phase 1 is anticipated to be commissioned in 2029 which will include 24 ML/day at each site, and expansion to 48 ML/day at each site in 2034.
A demonstration plant programme is also being implemented with phase 1 anticipated to be re-commissioned by 2028 which will include a 6.25 ML/day plant to supply the Durban central business district (CBD).
Phase 2 will be commissioned by 2030 to upgrade to 50 ML/day and phase 3 is to be commissioned by 2032 which will include expansion of 100 ML/day to supply the CBD and southern regions.
Wastewater Treatment Works PPPs
EXCO was further updated on PPP initiatives aimed at strengthening wastewater treatment capacity across the Municipality.
EWS currently operates 27 sewage treatment plants, treating approximately 455 ML/day of wastewater through a network of 8,105 km of sewer pipelines.
To expand capacity and improve compliance, two regional wastewater treatment works are being developed.
This includes Umdloti Wastewater Treatment Works and Umkhomazi Wastewater Treatment Works.
Both projects are currently in the procurement phase, with PPP delivery models being pursued to leverage private sector expertise and financing.
PROPOSED TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS FOR 2026/27 FINANCIAL YEAR
As part of the 2026/27 budgeting process, EXCO considered proposed tariff adjustments to ensure the sustainability of essential services.
Electricity Tariffs
The City is proposing an average increase of 10.5 percent across its electricity tariffs.
This adjustment is necessary to address rising bulk purchase costs and maintain electricity infrastructure.
The proposed increase remains subject to approval by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa.
Water Tariffs
The City is recommending a 15 percent increase for domestic water tariffs and a 16 percent increase for non-domestic tariffs, effective from 1 July 2026.
The tariffs will support initiatives to reduce water loss and ensure sustainable supply for eThekwini.
Sanitation Tariffs
The Sanitation Directorate has proposed a 13 percent increase for domestic tariffs and a 14 percent increase for non-domestic tariffs.
The Sanitation Directorate provides an essential service which may have an adverse effect on the lives of residents should those services not be available.
These services include the reticulation network line that provides transportation of sewage, treatment and disposal of sewage and pollution control.
Solid Waste (Refuse Removal) Tariffs
A 13 percent increase in domestic refuse removal tariffs is proposed.
Waste management remains a capital-intensive service requiring significant investment in infrastructure such as landfill sites and transfer stations.
Rising operational costs, including vehicle and infrastructure maintenance, have necessitated the proposed increase.
Adjustments to business refuse removal tariffs are also included in the overall review.
Revenue Management Deposits
EXCO has also recommended a 5 percent increase in tariffs for revenue management deposits.
These are refundable amounts paid by customers when applying for water and electricity services and are intended to mitigate credit risk and support financial sustainability.
All proposed tariff adjustments will be subjected to public consultation as part of the 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan and Budget process before being submitted to Full Council for final approval.
CONTINUED SUPPORT FOR DURBAN FILM INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
EXCO has approved the continued support of the Durban Film Office Industry Development Programme under the Recreation and Parks Directorate.
This support includes ongoing assistance for industry development initiatives such as festivals and markets, which play a vital role in facilitating the growth, development, and enhanced competitiveness of the local film sector.
Funding will continue to be disbursed in accordance with approved contractual agreements.
As part of the approved measures, the number of projects supported under the Development Fund will increase from two to three projects for the 2026/27 and 2028/29 financial years, with each project receiving an allocation of R250,000.
In addition, the Micro Budget Film Fund allocation per project will increase from R350,000 to R400,000, further strengthening support for emerging filmmakers and small-scale productions.
DONATION OF ELEPHANT STATUE TO MITCHELL PARK ZOO
EXCO noted the donation of an elephant statue by the Mitchell Park Trust to eThekwini Municipality for placement at Mitchell Park Zoo.
The statue presents a valuable opportunity to acknowledge and commemorate the historic significance of elephants at the zoo.
The first elephant statue was introduced to the zoo in 1909, becoming a prominent and enduring feature of the facility.
In addition to its commemorative value, the statue will serve as an educational resource for visitors, helping to illustrate how zoological practices have evolved over time.
The City welcomes this contribution, which enhances both the cultural and educational experience at Mitchell Park Zoo.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
