Latest news with #WaterTurnaroundStrategy
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Urgent plans to resolve Durban's 7,000 water pipe leaks by July 2025
The eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) unit is expected to conduct a clean 'sweep' of the outstanding backlog of 7,000 pipe leaks once the budget becomes available from July 2025. The EWS presented its status of water supply report for May 2025 to the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) on Tuesday Image: File The eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) unit is expected to conduct a clean sweep of the outstanding backlog of 7,000 pipe leaks from July 2025, subject to budget availability. The EWS presented its status of water supply report for May 2025 to the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) on Tuesday. The municipality intends to create a separate management entity for the EWS with a planned Water Turnaround Strategy (WTA) to resolve its problems. Sibusiso Vilane, the acting HOD for EWS, said the municipality was ranked 'very poor' when it came to the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) interpretation. This was in the category of unavoidable annual real losses (UARL) and current annual real losses (CARL). The ILI defined poor as an urgent need for leakage control and asset renewal. With demand exceeding supply, Vilane said that reducing Non-Revenue Water is crucial for improving the financial and operational performance of EWS. 'When we get access to the budget, we are going to be sweeping all areas of backlogs from the list from July 2025,' he said. 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. 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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 ✕ Vilane also touched on plumbing contractors that cost the city an estimated R56 million per month. He said a review of the policy was in place for contractors, including upskilling many of them to meet requirements. According to Vilane, the EWS has been hard at work installing restrictors, generators, and meters at reservoirs. He said they were looking at a new management approach to streamline the EWS and hold people accountable. Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC Exco whip, commended the EWS on the interim arrangement to supply Clover with water to stabilise the supply. Madlala called on the EWS to extend this approach by identifying other critical stakeholders such as hospitals, hotels, and other essential service institutions, and to urgently design a targeted water supply plan to ensure uninterrupted service to these facilities. Madlala said the commencement of the second phase of the installation of back-up generators is a crucial intervention to guarantee water supply during periods of electricity outages. 'This forms part of a broader resilience strategy that we fully endorse. The introduction of performance-based water management contracts is noted and supported. These contracts will not only promote efficiency but will also help in driving accountability and measurable outcomes.' Madlala said the adoption of a single point of accountability approach could significantly contribute to reducing the ILU to below 4, an important milestone in curbing NRW. He stated that these interventions reflect a proactive and responsive approach to water and sanitation service delivery, adding that the ANC will continue to support and provide oversight as these plans are rolled out. 'We urge the unit to expedite the meter audit process. This will assist in improving billing accuracy and managing demand effectively. We reiterate our support for the insourcing of plumbers. This will not only improve service turnaround times but also enhance accountability and ensure value for money.' Madlala stated that the city must communicate more proactively about challenges posed by informal settlements and developments outside existing water supply lines. 'This will help manage community expectations and inform long-term planning. We fully support the decision to acquire our plant and fleet. This is a strategic move that will improve operational efficiency, reduce reliance on external contractors, and result in long-term cost savings for the municipality,' Madlala said. Yogis Govender, DA Exco member, called for enforcement to deal with illegal water and electricity connections. 'There is always a plan with no enforcement. There are never any arrests or statistics on what the consequences were for those found with illegal connections. I am happy that there is a tracking mechanism for the EWS implementation processes,' she said. Thabani Mthethwa, DA head in eThekwini, urged the EWS to move from planning to implementation. He also called for a period of amnesty for those who were connected to the system illegally to come forward without being penalised. He said this was a reason why the demand exceeds the supply. Themba Mvubu, EFF Exco member, described the report as transparent and honest. He also agreed on the skills development of plumbers. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said they took the matter of water seriously and that he was concerned about the water loss figures. 'When departments are honest, we can support them in various ways. If you hide things, we will always be blaming you for all the problems people complain about. We have to deal with illegal connections before people think it is a norm and that they are entitled to free water,' Xaba said.
IOL News
20-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
eThekwini Municipality's plumbing contracts: A R800 million annual expenditure
The eThekwini Municipality is reviewing its policy on plumbers after spending approximately R800 million per annum on contractors. Image: File The eThekwini Municipality is reviewing its policy on plumbers after spending approximately R800 million per annum on hiring contractors. The eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) presented its status of water supply report for May 2025 to the eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) on Tuesday. The municipality's insourcing of plumbers' roadmap statistics reveals that out of the 110 plumbing vacancies, 70 are filled, and 40 are vacant. From the 40 vacant plumbing posts, four will be employed by June 30, 2025, and 12 by January 31, 2026. The municipality is creating a separate management entity for the EWS with the Water Turnaround Strategy (WTA) to resolve the water supply problems and revenue loss the city is experiencing. Among the issues raised by residents and councillors were incompetent plumbers, recurring pipe leaks, delays in repair time, and unsurfaced roads. 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 ✕ Sibusiso Vilane, the acting HOD for EWS, said the budget for the remaining 24 posts will be sourced from savings, together with resources attached to the posts. Vilane stated that the current policy has been in place for over 20 years and that consultation is key to the success of the reform to open tender. He said that once consulted, the managing contract will be advertised within the first quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. According to Vilane, a mixed breed of in-house plumber employment and limited outsourced plumbing services could be in place by June 30, 2026. 'There have been many complaints about the quality of work rendered by plumbers. Many have to undergo training, and they must meet specific standards before we can recruit them. There is a roadmap to achieve this,' he said. The municipality was ranked 'very poor' when it came to the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) interpretation in the category of unavoidable annual real losses (UARL) and current annual real losses (CARL). To deal with non-revenue water, the EWS will ensure pressure management, restrictor installation, pipe replacement, pipe repairs, leak detection and repairs, reservoir and metering, and smart metering. As of May 14, 154 bursts were on the system, with 52 received that morning. Opening leaks in the system 7 213, with 417 leaks reported within 24 hours. To date, 63 pressure regulator valves (PRV) have been installed and 132 maintained, with the target set for 116 installations. The project was delayed due to the cancellation of orders for fitting components, generators, and pumps as a result of non-compliance with Supply Chain Management requirements. The municipality intends to install 88,972 restrictors; however, only 21,198 have been installed due to an outstanding budget of R15 million needed to meet the target. An estimated R48 million was assigned to pipeline replacement in central and northern regions, namely Chatsworth, Phoenix, and Redcliffe. The municipality intends to spend R70 million annually on pipe replacement. Reservoir metering for accurate water balancing is being rolled out across the city with 192 planned installations at 143 reservoir sites. Thus far, 120 meters have been installed at 95 reservoir sites. The municipality has completed the new northern aqueduct project at a value of R3 billion to augment supply in the Northern areas. The aqueduct has been commissioned for Avoca and Phoenix. The municipality has also completed a new rising main from Hazelmere to Grange. The municipality has also recommissioned the augmenting pumping main from Grange to Mt View reservoir to supplement the Verulam system, which was severely impacted by extended water outages. With regards to the Tongaat area, the city has completed and commissioned new Emona and Burbreeze reservoirs. However, with the Tongaat Supply System, all eight reservoirs supplied from the Tongaat system are still on intermittent supply due to the plant not coping with demand. Vilane said the frequent mains bursts are also contributing to the frequent disruptions. He also emphasised that there would be a centralised management approach with a single point of management and accountability. The city will declare a war on leaks from July 2025 once the budget comes through. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the trading services of electricity, water and sanitation, and cleansing and solid waste must improve their performance and enhance revenue generation. City Manager Musa Mbhele encouraged the EWS to implement what is planned and deal with issues raised by the public decisively. Councillor Nkosenhle Madlala, ANC Exco whip, said the introduction of performance-based water management contracts will not only promote efficiency but will also help in driving accountability and measurable outcomes. 'Concerns were raised by communities during the Budget Roadshows. We reiterate our support for the insourcing of plumbers. This will not only improve service turnaround times but also enhance accountability and ensure value for money,' Madlala said.
IOL News
22-04-2025
- Business
- IOL News
President Ramaphosa outlines progress of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group
In a parliamentary response to questions by the DA's Anna van Zyl, Ramaphosa disclosed the implementation and achievements of the PeWG since its establishment in April of last year. Also, how service delivery has been improved and which accomplishments have been achieved in this area. In his response, Ramaphosa said the PeWG has made significant progress against its priorities, mainly accelerating eThekwini's Water Turnaround Strategy, approved by the City Council in 2023; positioning eThekwini as an investment and tourism hub to boost the local economy and create jobs; and, improving service delivery, including road infrastructure maintenance and enhancing public safety. 'While the Presidential eThekwini Working Group has made significant progress, momentum must be maintained – and in some areas increased – to tackle complex challenges such as reducing water demand and driving investment into long-term infrastructure projects. The achievements so far provide confidence that further progress can be made to improve service delivery for the people of eThekwini,' Ramaphosa said. He said focal areas have seen the following achievements:
