Ilembe strategises to survive drought
The plan is to renew old water infrastructure to stretch the water supply through the drought.
Reviving of old water infrastructure is high on the Ilembe district municipality‘s (IDM) list of priorities for stretching the district’s water supply through the drought.
“Bringing back to life the old Masibambisane water treatment project in Maphumulo (next to the hospital) and upgrading the Esidumbini water treatment plant in Ndwedwe, ward eight is part of Ilembe’s plan going forward,” said IDM spokesperson, Khululiwe Makhaye.
Additional borehole drilling in the Umvoti, Ndwedwe and Maphumulo systems and recycling from sewer treatment works are also on the cards but the biggest relief is expected to come from the Lower Tugela Bulk Water Supply Scheme once it comes online some time between April and June this year.
“This project will initially bring an additional 25 million litres per day and will increase to 55 million litres per day,” said Makhaye.
There is also mention of a 60 million litre per day desalination plant that will be built but the location and date for when construction is due to start has yet to be announced.
The taps have dried up in nine wards within the district and those are now served by water tankers. The affected wards are wards one, three, seven, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13 and 25.
Water tankers mainly draw water from the Tugela and Umdloti Rivers.
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