uMngeni-uThukela Water, Author at uMngeni-uThukela Water

Minister Pemmy Majodina hails major progress on Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Scheme

08/11/202408/11/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, News

MEDIA STATEMENT:

08 November 2024

Water and Sanitation Minister, Pemmy Majodina, has expressed strong optimism about the substantial progress made on the Lower uMkhomazi Water Scheme project, which is aimed at improving water supply to approximately 50,000 households across the eThekwini and Ugu Municipal Districts along KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast.

The project is valued at over R20 billion and represents a pivotal intervention in ensuring water security for the region. Minister Majodina and Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo, along with uMngeni-uThukela Water Board members conducted an on-site progress review of the bulk water project on Thursday, 07 November 2024.

Inspecting the Goodenough Abstraction Site, which has achieved over 60% completion, Minister Majodina endorsed the progress made thus far in implementing the project.

“This progress is a testament to the commitment and expertise of the appointed contractors and our entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water. The project is set to tackle longstanding water challenges for South Coast residents and secure reliable water resources for years to come,” said Minister Majodina.

The Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply project is implemented by water utility, uMngeni-uThukela Water, and will augment water supply within eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality (Ward 99) and uMdoni Local Municipality (Ward 18). This large-scale project, which was previously hindered by delays, has gained renewed momentum as a result of the Ministry of Water and Sanitation’s proactive involvement and determination.

Minister Majodina and Deputy Minister Seitlholo also conducted an oversight inspection of a construction site of the Ngwadini off-channel storage dam which is expected to be completed by December 2027.

The bulk water scheme is crucial to KwaZulu-Natal’s water resilience and includes two phases. Phase 1 will focus on raw water components, including the Ngwadini and Goodenough Systems, while Phase 2 will deliver potable water infrastructure. This infrastructure will feature a 100Ml/day water treatment facility, gravity pipelines, expanded reservoir capacity, and a Green Star Administration Building.

Minister Majodina stated that the overall implementation of the project signifies transformative progress toward addressing water shortages that have impacted the region since 2016. Upon completion, the uMngeni Water Supply System will increase its annual freshwater capacity from 394-million to 608-million cubic meters, securing sustainable water resources for more than 5 million people across six districts, including eThekwini, Msunduzi, uMgungundlovu, Ugu, Ilembe, and Harry Gwala.

The project has helped to create temporary employment opportunities for over 380 locals and more than 100 Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have participated in the project to date.

Meanwhile, Minister Majodina has reiterated the Department’s commitment to effectively implement bulk water projects across the country, to ensure equitable water supply for all and water security to communities experiencing water supply challenges.

END

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation

The Impact of the 2023 El Niño Cycle on Water Resources in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Operational Area

29/10/202411/11/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Water Blogs

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was in an El Niño state from July 2023 to June 2024. In Southern Africa, El Niño cycles are associated with hot and dry climatic conditions. Thus, a prolonged El Niño state often leads to the occurrence of droughts in Southern Africa, which are associated with various negative socioeconomic impacts, including loss of agricultural produce, water supply shortages, disease outbreaks, etc.

The 2023/24 El Niño cycle resulted in drought conditions for most of the Southern African Development Community, with countries such as Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Malawi respectively declaring a state of national disaster due to the below-average rainfall experienced during the summer season. Similarly, South Africa generally received below-average rainfall during the 2023/2024 summer season (i.e. October to March) with the exception of December 2023, where most of the summer rainfall region received normal to above-average rainfall (Figure 1). During October 2023, the eastern-coastal parts of the country notably received above-average rainfall due to a series of cut-off low-pressure systems which brought cool and wet conditions over the coastal areas. It is important to note, however, that although the total amount of rainfall was high in October 2023, this was over a few, large single-day events in between long dry and hot spells. The driest summer months were November and February.

Figure 1: South Africa’s rainfall distribution during the 2023/24 summer season (Source: SAWS).

The winter rainfall region, i.e. Western Cape, received above-average rainfall between April and July, except during May (Figure 2). The KwaZulu-Natal Province (summer rainfall region), i.e. uMngeni-uThukela Water’s (UUW) area of operation received below-average rainfall between May and August 2024. However, this had an insignificant impact on water resources as the quantity of rainfall received during this time of the year is minimal. In addition, the relatively above-average rainfall received along the Maluti-Drakensburg region (a key water source area for KZN) during April and June contributed to the relatively healthy water resource status observed in UUW’s area of operation. Furthermore, the above-average rainfall received in September improved dam storage levels before the beginning of the 2024/25 rainfall season.

Figure 2: South Africa’s rainfall distribution during the 2023/24 winter season (Source: SAWS).

The rainfall maps shown above indicate that the 2023/24 El Niño cycle had a significant impact on rainfall distribution across South Africa, with many parts of the country receiving below-average rainfall for majority of the 2023/24 hydrological year (October – September). The eastern coastal belt, including UUW’s operational area, benefitted from a series of cut-off low-pressure systems which brought large short-duration rainfall events between long periods of hot and dry conditions. Although most dams in KwaZulu-Natal maintained relatively high storage levels during the 2023/24 season, it is important to note that the storage levels of some systems were slightly lower than the previous year (Figure 3). It is also important to note that various systems are experiencing excessive demand, infrastructure capacity constraints and water loss related issues which are currently a cause for concern.

Figure 3: Comparison of the end of winter dam levels (01 October) of selected dams within UUW’s area of operation between 2022 and 2024.

According to the latest ENSO Outlook by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), neutral conditions persist in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, while the multi model-based ENSO forecast suggests borderline La Niña conditions from early to mid-summer (Figure 4). La Niña cycles bring about cool and wet weather conditions in Southern Africa. Therefore, it is important to monitor the ENSO signal as La Niña-induced excessive rainfall may result in flooding.

Figure 4: IRI multi-model based ENSO forecast.

Although 2023/24 El Niño cycle had minimal impact on UUW-operated water resources infrastructure, water demand continues to grow and already exceeds available supply in some systems. For example, water demand in the uMngeni System exceeds UUW’s licenced abstraction volume, which is a major concern. Water users are encouraged to implement demand-side water resources management strategies such as reusing water for non-potable purposes and fixing household leaks. uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to monitor the development of the La Niña signal and the next update will be issued in January 2025.

Media and Notice of Maphumulo Waterworks temporary reduction of treatment from capacity of 9Ml/d to 7.5Ml/d

25/10/202428/10/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

The Maphumulo Waterworks Package Plant will be temporarily taken offline to undertake the annual maintenance. The Package Plant will be offline for approximately two (2) weeks. The Maphumulo Waterworks treatment capacity would be reduced from 9 Ml/d to 7.5 Ml/d during this period.

Date: Friday, 25 October 2024
Duration 2 weeks.
Completing Date: 8 November 2024

Your patience and understanding will be highly appreciated and UUW apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period.

We strive to ensure continuous provision of quality water services and adequate maintenance is key in achieving our objective.

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MEDIA STATEMENT: MINISTER MAJODINA APPLAUDS UMNGENI-UTHUKELA WATER ON AA+ CREDIT RATING

22/10/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight, News

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Ms Pemmy Majodina, has commended uMngeni-uThukela Water for its recent positive AA+ rating by Fitch Ratings, attributing this significant achievement to prudent financial management and strong leadership at the KwaZulu-Natal water utility. This is the second year running that the Water Board has scored a AA+ credit rating since its reconfiguration in 2023.

In granting the AA+ rating to uMngeni-uThukela Water, the London-based international ratings agency noted that the water utility had a stable financial outlook. This is ascribed to a strong and solid partnership with national government which meant that there was effective oversight over the institution’s operations.

Fitch also indicated that the water utility remained on course to meeting its borrowing limits and loan repayments for the 2024/25 financial year. A higher rating means that, should it need to do so, uMngeni-uThukela can borrow at a lower interest rate which augurs well for financing large scale water infrastructure development and
maintenance projects.

Minister Majodina said: “Along with Rand Water in Gauteng, which had also received an AA+ rating from Fitch’s, uMngeni-uThukela had shown that with the right discipline and adherence to sound governance principles, state-owned entities can balance their developmental mandates with prudent financial management”.

The Minister however expressed concern that the high levels of water losses and infrastructure implementation delays posed a risk for uMngeni-uThukela Water’s long term credit rating. “While we welcome the positive credit rating of uMngeni-uThukela Water by Fitch Ratings, it is extremely concerning that among the risks that could pose a risk for the future sustainability of the organization is high water losses at municipal levels. This is one area that continues to be a major concern for us as the Department of Water and Sanitation and which is receiving our immediate attention”, said Minister Majodina.”

Minister Majodina said that the report represents an expression of confidence in the ability of the South African government and the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure the ongoing financial viability of the water utility.

ENDS

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF WATER AND SANITATION AND UMNGENI-UTHUKELA WATER

PLANNED WATER SUPPLY INTERRUPTION FROM LOWER THUKELA WATERWORKS

22/10/202422/10/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Alerts, Highlight

Tuesday, 22 October 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water will conduct a 14-hour planned shutdown of its Lower uThukela Water Works on Thursday, 24 October 2024 from 06h00 to 20h00.

This is to replace a malfunctioning isolation valve and to scour the pipeline.

The following areas will be affected by water supply interruptions while the maintenance work is in progress:

Zinkwazi,
San Sounci,
Darnall,
Lindelani,
Nonoti,
Blythedale,
Saunders Reservoir,
Glenhills,
Warrenton,
Stanger Manor,
High Ridge,
Shakaville,
Townview,
Mbozamo,
Honolulu Reservoir and Groutville,
Ntshawini and
Melville,

We apologise for the inconvenience that will be caused by the interruption. We urge the public to continue using water sparingly.

End

Issued by: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive, uMngeni-uThukela Water

DISRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY ON THE 53 PIPELINE FROM DV HARRIS WATER WORKS DUE TO REPAIRS

02/10/202402/10/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Uncategorized

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE

Wednesday, 2 October 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water has detected a leak in the 53 pipeline which supplies water from the DV Harris Water Works to reservoirs in Umlaas Road.

This has necessitated an immediate shut of the pipeline in order for the damage to be assessed and repaired.

The pipeline supplies approximately 30 mega litres of water per day to parts of the uMgungundlovu District and the eThekwini Metro.

The following areas may have their water supply affected while repairs are in progress:

Umbumbulu
Eston
Mid-illovo
Camperdown
Parts of the Outer West of eThekwini

We apologise for any disruption that will be caused during the repair work. We also urge the public to continue to use water sparingly.

Ends

Issued by: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive, uMngeni-uThukela Water

Media and public notice: Postponement of planned 12-hour water supply interruption from lower Thukela Water Treatment works due to bad weather

30/09/202430/09/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE

Monday, 30 September 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water has postponed a 12-hour shutdown of its Lower UThukela Water Treatment Works which was planned for Tuesday, 1 October 2024 due to bad weather.

The new date for the shutdown is now Thursday, 3 October 2024.

The shutdown will commence at 06h00 until 18h00.

This is to replace a malfunctioning isolation valve and to also scour the pipeline.

The following areas under the Ilembe District will be affected by water supply interruptions while the maintenance work is in progress:

Zinkwazi, San Sounci, Darnall, Lindelani, Nonoti, Blythedale, Saunders Reservoir, Glenhills, Warrenton, Stanger Manor, High Ridge, Shakaville, Townview, Mbozamo, Honolulu Reservoir and Groutville, Ntshawini, Melville.

We apologise for any disruption that will be caused during the maintenance work.

Issued by: Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive, uMngeni-uThukela Water

Improvements noted in treated water volumes at the Durban Heights Water Works after decrease in algae

02/09/202402/09/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

MEDIA AND PUBLIC STATEMENT
Monday, 26 August 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water’s efforts to reduce the amount of algae in the water being treated at the Durban Heights Water Works have begun bearing fruit. Over the weekend, uMngeni-uThukela Water was able to increase its production volumes from 500 mega litres to 580 mega litres at the Durban Heights Water Works. This water is supplied to parts of the north and south of the eThekwini Municipality.

The increased supply is due to uMngeni-uThukela Water’s ongoing efforts which include the optimisation of its treatment processes to rid the water of excess algae as well as using advanced chemical treatment methods to unclog its filters. Our water quality monitoring has also been increased in order to detect and act against the presence of algae in raw water from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system.

While the situation has not yet normalised, there are promising signs of a decrease in the algal count in water from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system. uMngeni-uThukela Water continues to monitor the raw water quality and we anticipate that the problem will be resolved once the algal count from Albert Falls-Nagle Dam subsides.

Over the past two weeks, there has been a substantial increase of volumes of algae in water received from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system. While the increased presence of algae is not common in the colder winter season, there has been an increased algal count at the Durban Heights Water Works which has led to the clogging of filters.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit

WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY.

Improvements noted in treated water volumes at the Durban Heights Water Works after decrease in algae

27/08/202402/09/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

MEDIA AND PUBLIC STATEMENT
Monday, 26 August 2024

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY.

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit

Media And Public Statement: Temporary reduction in treated water volumes at the Durban Heights Water Works due to algae growth

22/08/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit

Thursday, 22 August 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Durban Heights Water Treatment Works is currently treating reduced volumes of water due to filters being clogged by large volumes of algae. This has affected the volumes of treated water being supplied to some parts of the north and south of the eThekwini Municipality.

Due to this increased presence of algae in raw water, the Durban Heights Water Treatment is currently unable to treat the full amounts of raw water it normally supplies to its customers.

uMngeni-uThukela Water is currently implementing a number of interventions including optimising its water treatment processes and using advanced chemical treatment methods to unclog its filters. We are also undertaking ongoing water quality and quantity monitoring to ensure the production of safe drinking water.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY