Latest news with #DepartmentofWaterandSanitation
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works to enhance water and sanitation security in KZN Midlands
The Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Plant was commissioned on Friday. Image: Sello Seitlholo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation / Facebook The government has taken another step towards addressing issues of water and sanitation security in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands with the commissioning of the Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works, a project valued at R450 million. The project is a key part of the government's efforts to ensure water and sanitation security in the uMgungundlovu District. The department stated that the treatment works complement the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme is currently undergoing major upgrades to allow it to supply water to hundreds of thousands of residents in the Vulindlela area under the Msunduzi Municipality, who have not had tap water for more than five years. In July 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DSW) held a sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of upgrades for Phase 1 of the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, a mega water supply project. It was stated at the time that the project, upon completion, will provide safe drinking water to communities in the uMngeni and Msunduzi Local Municipalities and surrounding areas in the district. The Mpophomeni wastewater project was launched this past Friday and is expected to address the sanitation and water challenges of 27,000 people in and around the Mpophomeni area. Residents in upper Vulindlela have highlighted their concerns regarding the need for water security, pointing out that for the past few years, they have had to rely on erratic supply from water tankers or fetch water from a borehole that belongs to a local doctor's office. They revealed that the municipality recently drilled a borehole, which malfunctioned, and residents were asked to pay towards its repairs. During Friday's launch, Deputy Ministers Sello Seitlholo and David Mahlobo provided a progress update on Phase 1 of the Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme. The Vulindlela Bulk Water Supply Scheme, one of the government's most successful post-1994 infrastructure projects, is located west of Pietermaritzburg. Initially constructed in 1998 and later designated a National Presidential Lead Project, the scheme is being upgraded in response to population growth in Vulindlela and increased municipal water demand. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works is intended to serve the communities of Mpophomeni, Khayelisha, and surrounding areas, benefiting approximately 27,000 residents. Image: Sello Seitlholo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation / Facebook A major component of the Phase 1 upgrade is the construction of a new reservoir that will increase drinking water storage by 20 megalitres per day, bringing the total to 35 megalitres per day to ensure more consistent water distribution to communities across the region. Additional infrastructure includes new pipelines between reservoirs, a new pump station, and an augmented power supply. This project complements the commissioned Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works. Together, these two strategic infrastructure projects form part of the department's integrated efforts to ensure long-term water and sanitation security for communities in the uMgungundlovu District. Speaking at the launch, Mahlobo stated that the project's commissioning 'marks a major step forward for service delivery, water security, and cooperative governance in KwaZulu-Natal.' The Mpophomeni infrastructure project is designed to significantly improve sanitation services, protect sensitive wetland ecosystems, and enhance the quality of life for communities. It is currently operating at a treatment capacity of 6 million litres per day, with provision for future expansion to 12 million litres per day. The facility includes a 7-kilometre treated effluent pipeline and the rehabilitation of the Mpophomeni wetland. Seitlholo welcomed the commissioning while issuing a firm call to action to municipalities. 'The success of Mpophomeni proves that service delivery is possible when all spheres of government work together. But we cannot stop here. Municipalities must build on this momentum and address governance gaps, strengthening technical capacity and accelerating delivery. Our citizens deserve systems that work and leaders who make that happen without delay,' said Seitlholo. THE MERCURY
The South African
3 days ago
- Health
- The South African
'No health risk': Government assures after ARVs were found in water sources
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured the public that the presence of anti-retroviral (ARV) residues in drinking water poses no health risk and cannot result in HIV transmission. This comes as a study conducted by the North West University (NWU) found measurable levels of ARV residues in some of the country's water sources. The report by the NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, titled 'Quantification, Fate, and Hazard Assessment of HIV-ARVs in Water Resources', revealed that ARVs are entering the water supply primarily through municipal wastewater treatment systems. As per the study, the most detected ARVs included lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. The study found that concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to humans, and the team emphasised that the current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, highlighting the need for technological advancements. Higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants. This means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with the Water Research Commission, said in a joint statement. Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the drinking water samples. There is a possibility that high concentrations of ARVs in sewage or municipal wastewater might reduce the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment works in removing bacteria from the wastewater. Further research is required in this regard. Following concerns, the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Water Research Commission have clarified that the presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless, 'although prolonged exposure to the broader population may lead to antimicrobial resistance, a subject of ongoing research. Pharmaceuticals such as ARVs are drugs used to treat diseases – they do not cause diseases. Therefore, the presence of traces of ARVs in the water will not result in people contracting HIV.' 'At present, there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems, and viral resistance of these compounds. The study did not find any ARVs in fish.' According to DWS, the issue of contaminants of emerging concern in water not only affects South Africa but is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world. Globally, the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated. This is partly due to their presence often being below water quality detection limits. However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue. 'Traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are tiny quantities, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants, such as particles of faeces and bacteria,' the department added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Department of Water and Sanitation reassures ARV traces in water pose no health threat
Despite trace levels of ARVs detected in some sources, the Department of Water and Sanitation says South Africa's drinking water remains safe and compliant with health standards. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured the public that there is no health risk following the detection of trace amounts of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs in some of South Africa's rivers and drinking water sources. The findings stem from a Water Research Commission (WRC) study conducted by North West University to investigate contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). 'The presence of ARV residues in drinking water is harmless,' DWS said, adding that the levels found were extremely low, measured in nanograms, or one-billionth of a gram per litre. 'Pharmaceuticals such as ARVs are drugs used to treat diseases; they do not cause diseases. Therefore, the presence of traces of ARVs in the water will not result in people contracting HIV.' According to the report, traces of ARVs were detected in river systems and in a few treated water samples, with higher concentrations found downstream of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Chatsworth residents protest ongoing water shortages
Moorton residents held a protest last week at Prior Road, at the oices of the Department of Water and Sanitation. Image: Supplied RESIDENTS of Moorton, Crossmoor, and Shallcross are facing ongoing water shortages, leading to protests and demands for accountability from local authorities. Community activists, Zain and Naseema Suleman, of Moorton, said they were frustrated with the on-going water crisis. Naseema said that the Northdene Reservoir, which was serviced by the Umngeni Water (Durban Heights), had endless issues with the water shutting off without warning despite a water shedding schedule being released in February. 'We are fed up with these unscheduled opening and closing of valves at the reservoir. The eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) communicated the water rationing schedule in February, which was adhered to for only the first week. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'However, we continue to be rationed at random times every day. Sometimes, we have no water for days on end and we do not know when it will return. It is hard waking up in the morning and having no water. My children find it tough to go to school. Even at school they have no water,' said Naseema. She said they had protested regularly because they want to answers and to see the progress on the water issues. Zain, who has been at the front line for the Chatsworth water crisis which started in October 2024, said the initial reasons provided for the water crisis was due to infrastructure damage during the April 2022 floods. 'Numerous reasons and excuses have been provided over a period. Pump failure with no back up pump or generators. Vandalism happens at a national key point with 24-hour security and no accountability. Budget constraints to repair or replace damaged infrastructure yet our trusted government collected funds from international funders, local businesses, residents paid water loss levies and infrastructure surcharges, yet the excuse continued of budget constraints and in the last financial year eThekwini councillors returned astronomical funds back to treasury,' he said. Zain said in February 2025 a protest was held outside EWS offices in Prior Road and the frustrated residents secured a meeting with officials. 'At this meeting we were told that there is a water shortage in eThekwini, yet some areas were more privileged than Chatsworth, Phoenix, Tongaat and Verulam who are the most hard hit. We were also told that Pemi Majodina, the minister of Water requested a reduced quota of water due to non-revenue water. Major water losses due to continuous burst pipes stemming from inferior quality workmanship, no metering at informal sector water standpipes. Reported burst mainlines with reference numbers on the eThekwini App were closed without water pipes being repaired. 'Raw water certification had a quota, and water was overdrawn for water treatment plants. No explanation why no renewal of water draw certification based on increased population. Considering no census was done in years, on what basis is water distribution taking place? Fifty six percent of non-revenue water loss through burst pipes, residents of hard-hit water shedding communities are being held at ransom over failure of government and its respective departments,' said Zain. As of Tuesday, there was still no water in Moorton. 'We are without water and this is due to conflicting information being provided, firstly a test was apparently carried out last night (July 14) to evaluate water loss without the knowledge of the area manager of reservoir 4 since he wanted to know how many roads were without water which means he wasn't aware that the reservoir 4 ran empty overnight due to the 'test'. 'This should have been monitored and water levels should have been captured by the WDO at intervals, yet we did not receive any notification of the time when the water would stop. The other reason was that there is a major water outage affecting Durban heights. This message from Councillor AE Peterson, of Ward 11. 'There's incompetence noted, sabotage, and corruption in this water crisis. The pipeline tender is a wasted project. If the water volumes are not increased then of what benefit is the pipeline running through Chatsworth? We are being taken for fools,' said Zain. THE POST
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Eldoraigne pipeline project shifted to August, says metro
The much-anticipated Eldoraigne Water Pipeline Replacement Project has once again experienced a change, with the Tshwane metro now announcing that work is scheduled to begin in August. This follows months of delays caused by budget constraints, while concerns from residents over persistent leaks and deteriorating water infrastructure in the area continue to grow. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo recently said that construction is now set to start on August 4 and is expected to conclude during the first week of November. 'There were challenges with budget limitations, which resulted in the reprioritisation of works. Suburbs with the most critical pipelines were given high priority,' said Mashigo. Despite the delay, he emphasised that the scope of the project remains unchanged and will proceed as originally planned. 'Currently, there are no adjustments to the scope. The project will be implemented as planned.' Mashigo also acknowledged the risks associated with not replacing ageing infrastructure. He said the Department of Water and Sanitation maintains a risk register that evaluates these risks, including pipe bursts, potential health hazards due to contamination, and damage to nearby infrastructure. 'The city is fully aware of the associated risks,' he said, confirming that the city is currently facing a backlog in replacing its ageing infrastructure. 'As a result, the city is focusing on critical single-pipe replacements rather than upgrading entire networks, due to limited funding.' Mashigo noted that the metro is also assessing the potential costs of inaction, such as increased maintenance and emergency repair expenses, to build a case for additional funding both internally and externally. He said contingency plans are in place to mitigate risks associated with the ageing system. 'The pipes that are more prone to breakages and have been repeatedly repaired are prioritised for replacement to reduce the risk of bursts and leakages. '[This] causes unplanned service interruptions as well as property and infrastructure damage. 'In areas with high pressure, interventions such as the installation of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) are implemented to minimise the risk of pipe bursts or complete failure of ageing pipes.' Mashigo added that during the construction period, temporary water supply arrangements will be put in place to minimise disruption for residents and businesses. This project was originally scheduled to begin on January 13 and aimed to address frequent leaks and deteriorating water supply infrastructure in Eldoraigne. At the time, Mashigo confirmed that the planned work included replacing 271m of pipeline in Kern Street and 629m in Colin Road. He had also said the work would be completed by March 19. However, in a March update to Rekord, Mashigo confirmed that the project had not yet begun, again citing budget limitations. 'The project has not yet started due to budget constraints; however, it is listed in the budget adjustment awaiting approval,' he said. Mashigo then indicated that, pending approval, the metro expected work to begin in the second week of April. Residents have long expressed frustration with the state of water infrastructure in Eldoraigne. Monzenique van Wyk, a resident of Eldoraigne Ext 3, previously told Rekord that she was disappointed by the frequent and prolonged leaks in her neighbourhood. 'I often see water leaking in the same area for days, and I wonder why these issues are not addressed promptly,' she said. Van Wyk added that she found it disheartening to witness ongoing water waste, especially when residents are making efforts to conserve water. Ashley Smith, another Eldoraigne resident, welcomed the planned upgrades and expressed hope that the project would bring about long-term improvements. 'I truly believe this initiative will significantly help residents in the area,' she said. 'Not only will replacing the old pipes reduce the frequency of leaks, but it will also improve the overall water quality we receive.' Smith added that many families in the area have been struggling with low water pressure and unreliable supply due to the deteriorating infrastructure. 'With new pipes in place, we can look forward to a more reliable and cleaner water supply.' Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson has also voiced concern over the metro's delayed response to water leaks in the area. In a previous interview with Rekord, she highlighted the impact of outdated infrastructure on service delivery. 'In Ward 70, leaks reported over two weeks ago remain unaddressed, while in my ward, some issues have persisted for over two months,' she said. Billson cited specific examples, including a leak on Ireland Avenue reported on January 30 and only repaired in mid-March. She also said that a leaking water meter reported in January was only fixed in early March, while another leak in Kort Street seems to remain unattended. Billson criticised the metro for failing to reinstate roads and pavements after repairing leaks. She said a major leak near Eldoraigne High School was fixed in December, but the road was never restored, posing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians. Despite these frustrations, Billson expressed optimism about the pipeline project. 'This is a big win in our water-scarce country. Fewer repairs mean the city can save money and focus on other upgrades.' Billson noted that the community has long suffered from frequent water cuts and inconsistent service due to the ageing system. 'Old, unreliable pipes mean residents often face water cuts, which is frustrating and inconvenient,' she said. She stressed the environmental and financial importance of the project, adding that reducing leaks would conserve water and save the metro money on repeat repairs. 'New pipes mean cleaner, safer water without worries about contamination from rusty old infrastructure,' she closed. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
