Addressing water supply issues in KwaZulu-Natal: Premier Ntuli's commitment to combat corruption

To tackle the escalating water supply crisis across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), Premier Thami Ntuli has pledged a robust response to corruption within municipalities.

Speaking at the government’s Lekgotla last week, Ntuli said rampant corruption was one of the primary reasons for failing service delivery, particularly in the provision of water.

As an example, he cited a case in which 20 water tankers were booked for duty, but only five were deployed, while invoices were paid for all 20.

Ntuli said this was a troubling trend that resulted in funds being misappropriated while residents were left without an adequate water supply.

He said there was a dire need for comprehensive mechanisms that would enable municipal leaders, especially mayors, to effectively oversee and understand operations within their jurisdictions.

He described such fraudulent acts as difficult to detect unless information about these practices comes to light. Therefore, he stressed that transparency and accountability measures in municipal governance were of great importance.

On municipal expenditure related to the water master plan, Ntuli expressed optimism that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) would present a clear strategy to the Cabinet.

Ntuli said the goal was to ensure that all residents in KZN achieve 100% access to a regular water supply within the next decade.

Durban Mayor Cyril Xaba also addressed the media on Sunday and indicated that there was steady progress in stabilising water provision in eThekwini amid ongoing initiatives to reduce non-revenue water.

Xaba said the city had intensified efforts to resolve reported leaks and burst pipes within 24 hours, resulting in a marked improvement in water storage stability.

“Also, we are investing in upgrading existing infrastructure and constructing new water facilities to meet both current and future demand across the city,” Xaba added.

A significant project for the city is the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct located in the south of Durban, which aims to serve over 1.2 million residents.

Xaba expressed confidence that the city would meet the target delivery date of December this year.

The infrastructure replacement project entails replacing a 70-year-old, 950mm-diameter concrete pipeline with a new, larger 1,200mm-diameter steel pipe to enhance the efficiency of water conveyance from the Durban Heights Reservoir to several key locations, including Chatsworth and Umlazi.

The mayor highlighted efforts in the northern suburbs, where the commissioning of the Northern Aqueduct has stabilised water supply in areas such as Phoenix and Umhlanga.

The upgraded Ntuzuma Pump Station, completed at a cost of R56 million, has further ensured a reliable water supply to areas such as KwaMashu and Inanda.

Xaba said plans to construct the 100-megalitre Umkhomazi Dam, a pivotal long-term solution to the city’s water supply challenges, were progressing well after previous legal disputes.

“This R24 billion project will provide eThekwini Municipality with an additional 60 megalitres of water supply,” he said, reinforcing the city’s commitment to enhancing water provision for its community.

DAILY NEWS