The eThekwini Municipality’s accelerated service delivery intervention is yielding positive results, with a decrease in the number of reported water leaks across the city.
This follows a city-wide programme led by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba to restore critical water and sanitation infrastructure and address persistent leaks and sewer spillages.
The intervention forms part of the municipality’s accelerated programme, which deploys technical response teams to areas affected by persistent water leaks and sewer spillages.
According to the municipality, since the programme started two months ago, the city has seen a significant reduction in the water leak backlog, with the number of reported water leaks dropping from 13 000 to 3 900.
On Wednesday, Xaba conducted a high-level inspection of water and sanitation infrastructure in uMlazi Wards 80, 81 and 88, where he monitored repairs to water leaks and the clearing and flushing of severe sewer network blockages.
“Our goal here is not just to apply temporary fixes, but to ensure our maintenance crews clear the backlog systemically, restore the dignity of our residents, and protect our environment from toxic spillages,” Xaba said.
He warned that the misuse of public infrastructure remains a primary driver of recurring sewer system blockages across the municipality.
Xaba urged residents to help protect the city’s infrastructure by refraining from disposing of foreign objects in sewer manholes.
He also encouraged residents to report illegal water connections, which he said overload existing water and sanitation infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
