With the festive season fast approaching and beach-goers preparing to spend time at Durban’s beaches, uMngeni-uThukela Water is collaborating with the eThekwini Metro to prevent wastewater effluent from polluting rivers and beaches.
Concerns have arisen within the tourism sector over potential beach closures due to elevated E coli levels.
Addressing the media during the release of the group’s annual financial results on Thursday, acting chief operations manager Sanele Mazibuko assured citizens that uMngeni-uThukela is working to ensure that wastewater effluent does not reach the sea.
“We have done our conditional assessments to deal with issues. In December, people will be swimming in the beaches with no issues,” said Mr Mazibuko.
The water utility said no planned interruptions are scheduled for the festive season, expressing confidence in having sufficient water to meet customer demand.
Mr Mazibuko confirmed the full repair of flood-damaged infrastructure, with additional investments planned to enhance capacity and safeguard against future flooding risks.
Chairperson of the board, advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, welcomed the unqualified audit report, noting that the Auditor-General commended uMngeni-uThukela Water for consistently maintaining a high-quality bulk water supply.
Mr Khuzwayo highlighted investments in infrastructure projects, including a R179.3 million expenditure in the 2022/23 fiscal year for bulk infrastructure augmentation, expansion, upgrades, and rehabilitation.
Despite challenges faced during the year, including the impact of environmental factors and costs associated with the amalgamation of Umgeni and uThukela, the utility maintained a strong financial position. Net revenue grew to R5.3 billion, resulting in a surplus of R1.2 billion, while the balance sheet reserves were strengthened.
However, the utility reported a significant drop in gross profits, attributing it to increased costs related to the April flooding and the amalgamation process.
Group CFO Thami Mkhwanazi acknowledged the challenging year but highlighted the completion of flood-related repairs. He also addressed possible tariff increases, stating that agreements with municipalities, such as eThekwini, should not lead to spikes in tariffs for residents.
Mr Mkhwanazi noted that the utility, despite the financial challenges, remains committed to delivering essential water services and maintaining its infrastructure.
