19 February 2020

NEWSFLASH

Triumph as City Completes Cato Ridge Water Supply System

The Cato Ridge component of the Western Aqueduct project has successfully been completed. This follows a site visit to the project by senior management on 19 February to inspect progress made thus far. 

Despite the inclement weather, officials walked around the site in the rain, inspecting pipes, air pressure and water flow. The inspection forms part of government’s Siyahlola Programme which is aimed at ensuring effective monitoring of infrastructure service delivery. 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the monitoring of projects is very important. 

“Our communities own these projects as they are the direct beneficiaries of service delivery. It is up to us to keep residents abreast of what is happening on the ground,” he said.

“We are happy that this component of the project is finally complete and the area will now have a steady supply of water.” 

The Western Aqueduct Bulk Pipeline Project will run from Inchanga to Ntuzuma and will significantly strengthen the capacity of bulk water supply and meet the needs of the greater eThekwini region for the next 30 years.

Bhavna Soni, Deputy Head of the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit said: “We are glad that this particular water supply system is now complete. Although some areas went without water, we are on track and the project has been successfully completed and everyone should have water by Wednesday evening as planned during the process, however, they were advised to use water sparingly as supply was coming from our reservoir storage.” 

With this component of the project complete, residents can be assured that they will receive water speedily. “With the new infrastructure, we have a shorter distance and bigger pipe. This will boost the water system in the area,” added Soni.

She said the Cato Ridge system was particularly important as they had to follow a pipe-jacking process. “It was a very tough project because we had about 200 metres of pipe-jacking which meant that we had to install the pipeline under the N3 highway and connect it once again.” 

Ends. 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality

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