From Monday, 6 October 2025, the uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) Board and Executive Leadership, together with officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), hosted the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation for a three-day oversight visit across KwaZulu-Natal.
The programme commenced at the Darvill Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTW), where the Committee was welcomed by DWS Provincial Leadership and UUW Board Chairperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, SC, who introduced the UUW leadership team. The Committee received a comprehensive briefing and presentation from Acting Chief Executive, Mr. Thami Mkhwanazi, and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sanele Mazibuko, highlighting UUW’s operational activities and major capital expenditure (Capex) infrastructure projects.
Key projects presented included the KwaMaphumulo Wastewater Treatment Plant, Hazelmere Dam Wall, Lower and Upper Thukela Bulk Water Supply Schemes, Goodenough Abstraction, and the Weza-Harding Abstraction and Pipeline, among others. The day concluded with a site walkabout at Darvill WWTW led by the operational team, where the Committee expressed their satisfaction with the high water quality standards, stating that “we don’t need anyone to make us compliant – this is the standard we want to see across South Africa.”
The second day of the visit focused on the Goodenough Abstraction Works, a key component of the Lower uMkhomazi Dam Project. Once completed, this project will deliver an additional 130 megalitres (130 million litres) of water per day to the uGu District and eThekwini Municipality, strengthening water security for both regions. Committee Members Ms. Malebo Kobe and Ms. Makoti Khawula commended UUW for its strong performance and steadfast commitment to infrastructure excellence.
The final day of the oversight visit concluded at eThekwini Municipality, where the Committee received visual updates on major infrastructure initiatives including the Tongaat Water Treatment System, Southern and Northern Aqueducts, and the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works. Presentations provided insight into the current status, challenges, achievements, and timelines of each project.
uMngeni-uThukela Water extends its sincere gratitude to all employees whose dedication and expertise continue to drive the successful delivery of our infrastructure projects. Your hard work ensures that we fulfil our mandate of providing sustainable, high-quality water services — improving the quality of life for the communities we serve.
