Cyril Xaba assesses Southern Aqueduct progress during oversight visit

eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba conducted an oversight visit this week, to assess construction progress on a section of the pipeline at Mosely Park, Pinetown.

He noted that significant progress was being made on the Southern Aqueduct project, which aims to meet the growing water demand in the south of the city as well as some parts of the central area.

“This is one of the major water infrastructure projects that we have embarked on in 2024. Once completed, this 24-kilometre pipeline will significantly improve water supply to areas including Shallcross, Chatsworth, uMlazi, Folweni and Queensburgh.

"I am excited with the progress I have seen, the team is working round the clock to ensure completion,” said Mr Xaba.

The R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct project consists of a 24-kilometre bulk water pipeline. The Southern Aqueduct supplies about 1.2 million people through 33 reservoirs.

“We are replacing a pipeline that is more than 70 years old and has exceeded its 50-year life span. Due to constant leaks, we had to decommission a section of this pipeline. We are now upgrading it to meet the growing population. This includes restoring it to two pipelines which will allow us to continue to provide water even if we conduct maintenance work on the other pipeline,” said Mr Xaba.

The project of upgrading the Southern Aqueduct consists of replacing the 975mm diameter concrete pipes with new steel pipes, with diameters varying from 1000mm to 1600mm.

The project is divided into eight work packages, the mayor said. Work packages one and two started in 2024 and are already 50 percent complete. This consists of the construction of a new 1200 mm diametersteel watermain from Shallcross Road to the Chatsworth Reservoir as part of work package one.

Work package two is the construction of a 1200mm and 1400m diameter steel watermain from Shallcross to the Northdene area. Once completed, this will comprise a total of eight kilometers of new pipeline. Work packages three to six also commenced in April this year with the construction of the pipeline running from Northdene through the Paradise Valley Nature Reserve and Westville, ending in Reservoir Hills at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works.

“We want to reiterate that the provision of uninterrupted water in the city remains a priority. I will continue to conduct regular site visits to assess progress. I want teams to meet their timelines so that my commitment to the community is honored,” said Mr Xaba.