By Charmaine Ndlela
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba on Wednesday unveiled the R1.2 billion Southern Aqueduct Upgrade in Chatsworth, describing the project as a major investment to improve water security and strengthen service delivery across the metro.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation David Mahlobo, Xaba led a day-long programme showcasing key water and housing infrastructure projects aimed at expanding access to reliable basic services.
The programme began with an oversight visit to the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade, where construction is under way on a 24km bulk water pipeline that is expected to significantly improve and stabilise water supply to communities in southern eThekwini once completed.
The project is one of the municipality’s largest water infrastructure investments and forms part of efforts to modernise ageing infrastructure, strengthen network resilience and improve the reliability of water supply.
The delegation then visited Amaotana, where they unveiled a borehole project intended to provide a sustainable water source for rural communities that are not yet connected to the municipal water network.
The municipality said the project would provide much-needed relief to residents who have long struggled with limited access to potable water while broader network expansion continues.
Xaba also handed over five newly completed houses at the Redcliffe Housing Project.
The homes form part of a 600-unit housing development, of which 100 units have already been completed. The project is aimed at reducing the municipality’s housing backlog while providing qualifying beneficiaries with decent housing.
The day’s programme concluded with the unveiling of the upgraded R72 million Ogunjini Water Treatment Plant, where treatment capacity has been increased from one megalitre to three megalitres of water per day.
The municipality said the expanded facility has strengthened water supply to communities around Osindisweni and surrounding areas, while improving water security for key public institutions, including Osindisweni Hospital.
In a statement, the City said the investments reflect its commitment to improving basic service delivery through infrastructure projects that enhance residents’ quality of life.
It said the water and housing projects form part of its long-term strategy to strengthen critical infrastructure, expand access to essential services and support sustainable development across eThekwini.
The municipality added that the investments would contribute to more resilient infrastructure and improved service delivery throughout the metro.
