eThekwini announces 24-hour water shutdown in southern suburbs

DURBAN —

eThekwini Municipality will cut water supply for 24 hours to suburbs served by the Southern Aqueduct starting Wednesday, 20 August at 7:00. The interruption affects multiple areas for pipeline maintenance work.

The shutdown allows inspections and connections between existing pipelines and new Southern Aqueduct infrastructure as part of upgrade projects (Municipality statement). Water tankers will be provided in affected areas (Municipality statement).

“It is anticipated that the sectional repair work will be completed by Thursday morning, 21 August. System and reservoirs will thereafter start to recover, and water will be restored,” the municipality confirmed.

Central Region impacts include parts of Malvern, Queensburgh, Chatsworth, Shallcross, Westcliff, Yellowwood Park and surrounding industrial zones supplied by Northdene, Firwood, Ridley Park and Chatsworth reservoirs.

Umlazi township (sections A through CC), Ensimbini and Folweni areas will experience outages in the South Region. Pinetown South System affects Klaarwater, Nsizwaqkazi, Intake Road and nearby areas.

Residents must store sufficient water and check municipal platforms for tanker locations. Water pressure may remain low temporarily after Thursday’s 7:00 restoration as reservoirs refill.