KwaZulu-Natal’s bulk water supplier, the uMngeni-uThukela Water, is working around the clock to fix the pipeline leak that has resulted in the interruption of the water supply in certain parts of eThekwini and uMgungundlovu.

Despite the temporary shutdown of the pipeline, which supplies 30 megalitres of water from the DV Harris Waterworks to the uMlaas Road Reservoirs, the uMngeni-uThukela Water stated that the supply interruptions will be minimal.

Siyabonga Maphumulo, uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson, said the pipeline has been isolated, the leak has been stopped, and the bulk water supplier is no longer losing any water. 

“The engineers have isolated the pipeline, and they are now waiting for the ground to dry before they start excavations because it was raining on Saturday. Tomorrow (Monday), they anticipate starting the repairs full on,” Maphumulo said. 

On Saturday, the uMngeni-uThukela Water stated that it had detected a leak on the 53 pipeline, which supplies 30 megalitres of water from the DV Harris Waterworks to the uMlaas Road Reservoirs. 

The affected pipeline was then temporarily shut down to assess a leak, the bulk water supplier said.

During this period, the Midmar Waterworks will continue to supply water to the uMlaas Road Reservoirs via the 61 pipeline. As a result, some parts of the outerwest of the eThekwini Municipality and areas within the uMgungundlovu District may experience water supply interruptions, uMngeni-uThukela Water stated. 

The affected supply nodes may include Point M, Umbumbulu Reservoir, Eston, Mid Illovo, and Mkhambathini.

Maphumulo said water is being supplied through an alternate pipeline.

“Fortunately, we have a backup of  61 pipeline. What we will have is a reduction in pressure; maybe in some areas, there might be interruptions, but it will not be a total shutdown of the water supply,” he said.

Most communities in areas where the bulk water supplier said may be affected had not yet experienced interruptions.

gcwalisile.khanyile@inl.co.za

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