UPDATE – The shutdown of the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works which had been planned for Friday, 17 November 2023 has been postponed. A new date for the shutdown will be communicated. The community is urged to continue using water sparingly.
SEVERAL areas north of Durban, including Durban North and uMhlanga, could experience water interruption on Friday morning as the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works undergoes an 18-hour maintenance shutdown.
The shutdown commences at 01:00 on Friday, November 17 and continues until 20:00 on the same day.
According to uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson Siyabonga Maphumulo, the maintenance work is aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted water supply during the upcoming festive period.
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“The shutdown is to allow for the removal of a steel plate previously installed on Aqueduct 2 to isolate the flow of water while repairs are in progress. It will also include the installation of a double isolation facility to enable the contractor to continue working on the aqueduct in preparation for its recommissioning in December 2023. This critical exercise forms part of uMngeni-uThukela Water’s efforts to restore bulk water infrastructure following damages sustained during the April 2022 floods.
“uMngeni-uThukela Water is working closely with the eThekwini Municipality’s Water and Sanitation Department to minimise the impacts of the shutdown. Both organisations will constantly monitor water levels at the reservoirs during the shutdown so they do not drop below the set points,” he said.
He added that some parts of Durban may experience a reduction in pressure while those in higher-lying areas may experience water interruption on Friday morning.
“To minimise the impacts of the shutdown, we urge the public to continue using water sparingly and delay activities that consume additional water such as washing clothes and cars, watering gardens or filling up swimming pools during this time,” he said.
The following areas in North Durban may experience a reduction in water supply or no supply during the maintenance shutdown:
- Effingham, La Lucia, Glenashley, Durban North, Glenashley, Sea Cow Lake, Springfield Industrial, Kenville, Sunningdale, Glen Anil, Somerset Park, uMhlanga, La Lucia Ridge, uMhlanga Ridge, Prestondale, Ilala Ridge, Hawaan Etates and Blackburn village.
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