eThekwini:Mayor Cyril Xaba of eThekwini Municipality has directed the Water and Sanitation team to hasten the replacement of water mains damaged by ongoing floods, particularly in Inanda Newtown A. This initiative is part of the city's broader efforts to tackle persistent water supply issues affecting its northern regions.
According to South African Government News Agency, several areas in the Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu (INK) region are currently reliant on temporary water mains with restricted capacity. The replacement of the damaged pipelines is therefore crucial to enhancing the reliability and capacity of the water supply system. Mayor Xaba issued this directive during an oversight visit to water infrastructure facilities in the northern areas, accompanied by 12 ward councillors representing the affected communities.
During the visit, inspections were conducted on reservoirs and pressure-reducing valves to identify challenges impacting water distribution in Ntuzuma, Lindelani, Inanda, Machobeni, Umzinyathi, and KwaMashu. Vandalism of water infrastructure and illegal connections have been identified as primary causes of water supply interruptions, with tampering of pressure-reducing valves in Lindelani and Ntuzuma leaving some communities without a steady supply for months.
The Mayor announced that replacement parts for vandalized pressure-reducing valves have been acquired, with repairs slated to commence on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The initial focus will be on Lindelani and Ntuzuma G before progressing to Inanda Newtown A and KwaMashu.
Xaba urged residents to safeguard municipal water infrastructure, noting that vandalism hinders the effort to extend reliable water services. Repairing a single pressure-reducing valve costs between R20,000 and R160,000, funds that could otherwise be used to enhance water infrastructure.
Further interventions to mitigate water shortages in the INK area include the introduction of newly drilled boreholes in Lindelani, Machobeni, and Inanda, which Xaba is set to hand over this week. These boreholes aim to provide additional water sources for the affected communities.
These efforts are part of the municipality's comprehensive strategy to resolve water supply challenges in the northern areas through infrastructure repairs, alternative water sources, and protective measures for existing water networks.