Latest News & Developments
department of water and sanitation
Homes submerged and livelihoods lost: Bloemhof flood crisis deepens
Unprecedented floods have wreaked havoc in Bloemhof, leaving families devastated and homes underwater. As communities struggle to recover, frustrations grow over the government's response
Bucket toilets remain a major issue in South Africa
South Africa continues to grapple with the bucket toilet system, a challenge that affects the dignity and health of many communities.
Funding critical for eThekwini Water turnaround strategy - opposition parties
The draft water turnaround strategy (TAS) report on the trading services reform strategy for the eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) unit was tabled at an eThekwini Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on Wednesday.
Minister calls urgent meeting to address water disruptions in eThekwini Municipality
Amid ongoing water supply disruptions, the Minister of Water and Sanitation convenes an urgent meeting with local leaders to address the challenges facing eThekwini Municipality
Cape Town makes its mark on world map for water reuse
In December, three of Cape Town’s water reuse schemes were added to the Global Connections Map.
Ratepayers demand action on water crisis in eThekwini
EThekwini Municipality officials met with ratepayer bodies to discuss urgent water supply issues, following recent protests. Mayor Cyril Xaba has outlined a new action plan to tackle the ongoing crisis.
Burst water pipeline causes disruption to Isipingo business district
A burst water pipeline in Prospecton has left Isipingo businesses and residents struggling with erratic water supply, prompting urgent meetings and repair efforts by local authorities
New water restrictors to combat water loss
eThekwini Municipality is taking decisive action to address significant water losses, with plans to install nearly 89,000 water restrictors and implement a comprehensive strategy to enhance revenue and service delivery.
City of Tshwane declares Hammanskraal water safe following contamination scare
Residents of Hammanskraal can safely consume tap water again after officials addressed contamination concerns caused by storm damage to the Klipdrift Water Treatment Plant.
Sewage spills: uMhlanga resident demands action
Residents of uMhlanga are demanding accountability from the eThekwini Municipality as sewage spills threaten local health and the environment, prompting calls for improved infrastructure transparency.
National water crisis poses a huge threat to public safety
South Africa is facing a severe water crisis that threatens public safety and health… with increasing urbanisation, climate change, and mismanagement of resources, immediate action is needed to secure clean and reliable water access for all citizens
Water crisis leaves Ndwedwe villagers sharing rivers and ponds with livestock
As the situation escalates, community leaders and residents are calling for urgent government intervention.
Water curtailment for eThekwini will continue until September
The uMngeni-uThukela Water Authority's ongoing water curtailments in eThekwini Municipality highlight the City's struggle with water management amidst significant losses in revenue
Investing in Water: uMngeni-uThukela’s ambitious plans for KwaZulu-Natal
uMngeni-uThukela Water outlines a bold plan to invest over R15 billion in water infrastructure projects across KwaZulu-Natal, aiming to enhance water supply and wastewater treatment in the region
All hands on deck to curb escalating water woes in eThekwini Municipality
As officials work to address the dire situation, the health sector is implementing emergency measures to ensure that patient care remains a top priority.
DA calls for IFP leader’s resignation over eThekwini water crisis
The DA’s Thabani Mthethwa has called for the resignation of IFP’s Mdu Nkosi over ongoing water challenges in eThekwini, igniting political tensions between the two parties.
eThekwini Municipality faces billions in water revenue loss
eThekwini Municipality is facing a significant water crisis, with Mayor Cyril Xaba revealing alarming statistics on water losses that have resulted in billions in lost revenue. Proposed solutions aim to address the urgent need for infrastructure repair and improved metering processes.
‘Water Mafia’, High vacancy rates and infrastructure decay behind water crisis - report
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) briefed the parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation on Tuesday about some of the water-related inquiry reports it has produced in recent years.
Riverlands flood victims begin rebuilding their lives
The residents’ glimmer of hope arrived this week when 14 families received the keys to their temporary relocation unit, handed over by the national Department of Human Settlements, which they could now move into and start calling home.
Action needed amid water crisis
Areas are without water for over a month, water deliveries via tanker are sporadic, and the eThekwini Municipality is running out of money to pay for diesel for water tankers and for plumbing contractors
Hope and recovery: Riverlands families move into new homes after devastating floods
After devastating floods in Riverlands, 14 families receive keys to new homes, marking a hopeful new beginning as they begin to rebuild their lives.
Sewage leak disrupts Verulam CBD: businesses demand action
Verulam businesses are grappling with a persistent sewage leak that has disrupted operations and raised concerns about public health, as local officials struggle to find a solution.
More water woes for Durban residents as municipality runs of budget for plumbers
Plumbers contracted to the eThekwini Municipality have not been called out to fix leaking pipes since February 1 because of an alleged unavailability of money to pay them.
EThekwini water crisis: Ratepayers demand accountability over infrastructure surcharge fee
The eThekwini Ratepayers Protest Movement is set to lodge objections against the proposed two-year extension of an infrastructure surcharge, citing a lack of transparency and accountability from the eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit.
Calls for improved water and electricity infrastructure in Msunduzi
Residents and civic leaders in Msunduzi are calling for urgent action to address the municipality's failing water and electricity infrastructure, highlighting the dire consequences of neglect and demanding a comprehensive plan for repairs