Southern Aqueduct project nears completion

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02-03-2026
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Southlands Sun
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The bulk water infrastructure project supplies Woodlands Reservoirs and other communities in the south of Durban.

THE City’s major bulk water infrastructure project, the Southern Aqueduct which supplies Woodlands Reservoirs, is nearing completion, with key sections scheduled for commissioning in the coming months.

According to eThekwini Municipality, the project will significantly strengthen:

• Water security,
• Reduce system losses,
• Enhance long-term supply reliability for communities in the southern and central regions.

In a statement, the municipality said the construction continues to progress steadily, with major pipeline installations largely complete in portions of work packages one to three.

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This progress update was presented to members of the media during an oversight visit to the project site on February 27.

The visit provided an opportunity for municipal officials to assess construction milestones first-hand and to outline the next phases of implementation.

“The existing bulk pipeline, now more than 50 years old, was originally constructed as a twin steel and concrete line.

“Over time, it deteriorated and became increasingly prone to major leaks, prompting the City to undertake the upgrade of the 24km bulk pipeline currently under construction,” eThekwini said in a statement.

The Southern Aqueduct is being implemented in phases, with each section referred to as a “work package”.

This phased approach enables construction to proceed in manageable segments while maintaining operational stability across the network.

Project Executive Sduduzo Mtshali said the project is already delivering measurable benefits.

“While construction has been underway, our teams have identified and repaired leaks on the existing bulk pipeline network. These interventions have improved water flow and reduced system losses, demonstrating the project’s immediate value even before full completion,” said Mtshali.

Work package two is currently 74% complete and remains on track for commissioning in June.

In addition to pipeline installation, the project includes:

• The construction of chambers.
• Installation of valves.
• Other critical supporting infrastructure.
• Once completed, the upgraded 24km bulk pipeline will supply 33 reservoirs and significantly improve water provision to communities in the south and central areas, including Yellowwood Park, uMlazi, Folweni, Shallcross, Klaarwater and Northdene.