Date: 2025-09-30 06:36:53

EXCO Decisions: Municipality reports progress on wastewater and sanitation infrastructure

EXCO Decisions: Municipality reports progress on wastewater and sanitation infrastructure

MEDIA STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

23 September 2025

EXCO DECISIONS: MUNICIPALITY REPORTS PROGRESS ON WASTEWATER AND SANITATION INFRASTRUCTURE

The eThekwini Municipality convened its ordinary Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting today, 23 September 2025, where it received detailed progress reports from uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) and the Water and Sanitation Directorate.

These updates focused on the city’s ongoing efforts to upgrade wastewater infrastructure and improve the performance of water treatment facilities.

The Municipality’s five-year Operation and Maintenance (O&M) agreement with UUW, which concludes in November 2025, has become a cornerstone in modernising eThekwini’s wastewater systems.

Through this partnership, UUW has operated and maintained 10 of the city’s largest Wastewater Treatment Works (WWTWs), responsible for processing 90% of municipal sewage.

The agreement was designed to elevate service standards, ensure compliance with discharge licences, and protect the city’s rivers and coastline from pollution, while also improving water quality and building long-term operational resilience.

Over the past year, the Municipality has recorded a 7.2% increase in cumulative compliance across its WWTWs.

Facilities such as KwaMashu and the Northern WWTW have shown marked improvement due to targeted refurbishments and process optimisation. Durban Central and Southern WWTWs have consistently maintained compliance levels above 90%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the partnership.

Major projects currently underway include sea outfall inspections and critical pipeline repairs. These are supported by a comprehensive Water Use Licence Application (WULA) process for seven of the ten treatment works, ensuring alignment with the National Water Act.

To further strengthen infrastructure, the Municipality has committed over R1.16 billion in capital investment. This funding supports mechanical screening upgrades, pump station refurbishments, sludge management systems, and major rehabilitations at key sites, including KwaMashu, Amanzimtoti, and Mhlanga. 

A city-wide Sanitation Masterplan is also being developed to guide future infrastructure planning and ensure sustainable service delivery.  The partnership has also led to significant improvements in health and safety performance. Sites previously identified as high-risk, such as KwaMashu and Phoenix, have seen a reduction in incidents, thanks to enhanced contractor management, improved induction processes, and stricter permit systems that have fostered a stronger safety culture across all facilities.

EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, said that this partnership represents more than a contractual arrangement.

“It is a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, public health, and economic development. Through collaboration, innovation, and accountability, eThekwini is laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more resilient future,” said Xaba.

In a separate presentation to EXCO on Tuesday, 22 September 2025, the Water and Sanitation Directorate reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and improving sanitation infrastructure across the city, following extensive damage caused by recent floods and ongoing operational challenges.

The Sanitation Operations team reported steady improvements in key performance areas. Wastewater Treatment Works compliance rose to 74.4% in August 2025, up from 70.8% in July 2024, reflecting progress in environmental standards. However, the volume of effluent received at WWTWs remains below the 100% target, averaging just 62% in August.

The number of functional pump stations has increased to 226, with targeted repairs continuing to restore full operational capacity. Sewer fault response times have also improved, with 89% of blockages attended to within 24 hours.

The Municipality has completed over a dozen major sewer pipe rehabilitation projects in areas such as Umlazi, Pinetown, Tongaat, and Cowies Hill Park. Despite this progress, an additional R77.9 million in funding is required to complete ongoing repairs. Vandalism and power outages continue to pose serious challenges at pump stations, prompting coordinated efforts to restore functionality and secure vulnerable sites.

The Directorate reported that environmental compliance has shown marked improvement, with several treatment works, including Cato Ridge and Central achieving full Green Drop compliance. Licensing and environmental authorisations are being fast-tracked, with consultants appointed and procurement processes initiated for necessary upgrades.

Strategic interventions are being rolled out to address persistent blockages and infrastructure failures. These include the deployment of area-specific jetting machines, CCTV diagnostics, emergency tenders, and contractor appointments to accelerate pipe repairs and reticulation upgrades.  Collaborative efforts with Eskom and municipal electricity teams are also underway to restore power at vandalised pump stations.

Ends

Issued by eThekwini Municipality Marketing and Communication Directorate.