eThekwini:The eThekwini Municipality has taken a significant step forward by commissioning a section of Work Package 2 (WP2) of the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct project. This development aims to enhance bulk water supply and improve water security for communities in the city's southern and central areas.
According to South African Government News Agency, the newly commissioned section is part of a 3.8-kilometre pipeline connecting Shallcross and Northdene. It includes approximately 2.5 kilometres of 1,200mm-diameter steel pipeline and 1.3 kilometres of 1,400mm-diameter pipeline.
Project Executive Siduduzo Mtshali highlighted that the infrastructure is a key component of the broader Southern Aqueduct system. It features five cross-connection chambers, 12 scour valve chambers, 18 air valve chambers, and an isolation valve chamber. The project involved pipe-jacking works, which required installing the new pipeline at a significantly lower level than the existing line to enhance operational flexibility and water supply.
The construction faced challenges due to unexpected rock formations, but excavation has since been completed, allowing the contractor to proceed with pipeline installation. Upon full completion, WP2 will enhance redundancy over 3.8 kilometres of the system, reducing dependency on an ageing pipeline and aiding maintenance and repairs.
This infrastructure aims to secure water supply to primary and secondary reservoirs in Chatsworth, serving about 300,000 residents, and bolster supply to downstream reservoirs in uMlazi and Folweni, which serve approximately 500,000 residents. The increased pipeline capacity will allow for maintenance and repairs with minimal disruption to water service.
With an expected lifespan of 50 years, the new pipeline will reduce reliance on a single water main and improve network isolation during maintenance. The infrastructure is also anticipated to decrease the risk of unplanned pipeline failures and prolonged supply interruptions.
Mtshali noted that Work Packages 1 and 3 have been completed, while Work Packages 4, 5, and 6 are still under construction. Once finished, the Southern Aqueduct project will strengthen the bulk water network for about 1.2 million residents, ensuring the continued supply to 33 reservoirs and improving water provision reliability.
In addition, the municipality announced a planned water supply interruption along the Southern Aqueduct pipeline from 6 am on Tuesday, 29 September, until 6 am on Thursday, 1 October. This shutdown is necessary to facilitate construction and the tie-in of two major connection chambers under Work Package 6 in Westville, affecting parts of the Inner West, Central, and South regions of the municipality.