Water Supply Challenges
By Nkosana Khumalo
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – 02 April 2025 – Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has announced that the completed two phases of the KwaXimba Water Treatment Package Plant will bring much-needed relief to the longstanding water supply challenges faced by villages in KwaXimba, located within the eThekwini Municipality. This milestone marks a significant step forward in addressing water scarcity in the region, offering hope to thousands of residents who have struggled with unreliable access to clean water for years.
On Monday, Majodina, alongside Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, visited KwaXimba to assess the progress of this vital infrastructure project. The visit coincided with the conclusion of National Water Month, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about water conservation and access across South Africa. The delegation was joined by Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo, Chairperson of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water, the entity responsible for managing and implementing the plant.
The KwaXimba Water Treatment Package Plant, situated in Ward 1 of KwaXimba, is a game-changer for the area. With a total investment exceeding R378 million, the facility comprises two phases: a two-megalitre-per-day (ml/d) plant (Phase 1), which was completed and handed over last year, and a newly upgraded seven-megalitre-per-day plant (Phase 2). Together, these portable water treatment plants are designed to supply potable water to 18 villages in and around KwaXimba, tackling the region’s chronic water shortages head-on.
A Solution to Longstanding Water Woes
For years, KwaXimba and its surrounding communities have depended on a reservoir in Cato Ridge, which received treated water from the Midmar Water Treatment Works via the Western Aqueduct. However, rapid population growth and rising demand have stretched this system beyond its capacity, leaving many villages without a reliable water supply. Some areas have even had to rely on water tankers as a temporary fix, a solution that has proven costly and inconsistent.
The upgraded KwaXimba plant now provides a sustainable answer. The two-megalitre plant, operational since last year, has been bolstered by the addition of a five-megalitre-per-day facility, bringing the total capacity to seven megalitres daily. This water is channelled to two key eThekwini reservoirs, D1821 and D1818, which distribute it to villages such as Mvini, Bhobhonono, Nkandla, Nonoti, Msunduze, Mhali, Esiweni, Livapo, Nconcosi, Ntukusweni, Zwelisha, Kajabula, Othweba, Kwanyoni, Skhoxe, Kwadenge, and Emngacwini.
Majodina expressed confidence in the project’s impact, stating, “The plant was commissioned last year and is operating well and will remain under the custodianship of uMngeni-uThukela Water which will ensure that it is protected and properly maintained. We are confident that this project will bring a relief of water supply challenges and will guarantee uninterrupted water supply to the whole of KwaXimba’s ward 1 and the surrounding areas.”
Infrastructure Upgrades and Future Plans
Beyond the treatment plants, an ongoing infrastructure project is set to further enhance water distribution in the region. A four-kilometre bulk water supply pipeline is currently being upgraded, with work already 47% complete. This R378 million initiative, expected to wrap up by December 2025, will ensure that water reaches communities more reliably, reducing losses and improving efficiency.
The Minister highlighted the importance of this pipeline, noting that it will complement the treatment plants by strengthening the overall water supply network. “This is not just about building a plant; it’s about creating a system that works for the people of KwaXimba and beyond,” she said during the visit.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to address water challenges across eThekwini. The municipality has faced criticism for persistent outages, ageing infrastructure, and vandalism, issues that have left many residents frustrated. In response, authorities have rolled out short-term measures like water tankers and borehole drilling, while long-term solutions, such as the Upper uMkhomazi Dam, remain in the pipeline.
Community Impact and Economic Benefits
The KwaXimba Water Treatment Package Plant is more than just an engineering feat—it’s a lifeline for local communities. Access to clean, reliable water is expected to improve living conditions, support small businesses, and boost public health in the 18 villages it serves. Residents who once spent hours fetching water or waiting for tankers can now look forward to a more stable supply.
The project has also created jobs, with Phase 1 employing 10 locals and Phase 2 expected to add 20 more positions. An additional 40 job opportunities are anticipated once the pipeline upgrade is complete, offering a welcome economic boost to the area.
Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo urged the community to take ownership of the facility, saying, “These are expensive pumps that require the utmost in security, and we encourage the community to be the ones who become at the forefront of this particular plan.” His call reflects concerns about vandalism, a recurring problem that has delayed water projects in KwaXimba and other parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the KwaXimba plant is the result of close collaboration between the Department of Water and Sanitation, eThekwini Municipality, and uMngeni-uThukela Water. This partnership has been crucial in fast-tracking the project, ensuring that it meets the needs of a growing population. Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo praised the teamwork, noting that it sets a model for future water initiatives in the province.
Majodina also tied the project to National Water Month, which ended on 31 March 2025. “This visit marks the perfect way to close out a month dedicated to water. It shows our commitment to delivering on promises and improving lives,” she said.
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