Ethekwini Municipality will continue to work on a variety of interventions to manage and reduce the increase in water demand that has led to a recurrence of water supply.
To manage demand and build storage, local governments implement distribution in many regions, particularly in the northern and southern regions.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the municipality said it is putting an additional strain on the system as demand is currently exceeding about 100 megalitres per day.
This is due to current reduction measures implemented by Umgeni-utukela Water in October last year.
“A comprehensive plan has been established in collaboration with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and the Waters of Umungeni Uskela to strengthen water supply, and is building and commissioning the Umkomajdam, a pivotal project to enhance water supply to cities,” the municipality said.
Municipalities are also actively implementing a variety of medium-term interventions, including infrastructure upgrades, pipeline replacements, and comprehensive leak detection and repair programs.
It also has implemented pressure management valve installation, malfunctioning meter replacement, incorporating technologies to improve meter accuracy, and improving billing and debtor management.
“Currently, the area west of the city is experiencing intermittent supply due to the closure of the 53 pipeline by Umungeni-Ushkera water. This was done to enable the South African National Highway Agency (SANRAL) to relocate about 200m of the 53 pipeline as part of the N3 upgrade project,” the municipality said.
Durban Beachfront Set for Large Overhaul
Meanwhile, Durban's iconic beachfront is set to undergo major transformation with the complete facelift and redevelopment of the building along the promenade.
Over the past few years, changes have been made to improve the service to beachfront visitors and ensure that it remains a world-class facility.
Real Estate Unit Head, Thapelo Mmusinyane, noted that as tenant leases expire, municipalities will follow the right process and invite bids to develop innovative new spaces and restaurants that enhance the beachfront experience.
This forms an integral part of the city's aggressive land release strategy adopted in September 2021.
This strategy allows cities to actively manage surplus land, helping cities to achieve developmental goals, stimulate economic activity and black economic empowerment, and promote economic transformation of their property sector.
Mmusinyane explained that between May 2021 and May 2022 and November 2022, 25 properties were listed for bidding, with 10 new leases awarded to businesses 100% owned by historically disadvantaged individuals.
“All ten awards have been made to businesses 100% owned by historically underprivileged individuals. Particularly on the beachfront, the properties affected are circus, bikes and beans and mini-towns.”
Mmusinyane added that the historic building where Joe houses Cool's and other eateries will soon be upgraded by the developers.
He ensured the public that a fair, fair and transparent process was followed, as provided in Section 14(5) of the City's Financial Management Act (MFMA).
“This section requires that disposals, including leases of city property, must comply with the principles of fairness, fairness, transparency and competitiveness in line with the city's Supply Chain Management Policy (section 111 of the MFMA).
“Renewing a lease without an open and competitive process would have violated these principles and section 217(1) of the Constitution, which supports the same standards of public procurement. Therefore, renewing a lease would not be permitted without violating the law,” he explained.
