Addressing Water Scarcity in eThekwini Must be Underpinned by Good Governance
Frontline Africa Advisory
Specialists In Public Affairs; Government Relations; Political Risk Research And Analysis And Community Engagement.
From 10 October, uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) announced that it will implement water curtailment in eThekwini for the next 12 months to ensure that the abstraction from the uMngeni system is brought to the licensed volumes and is maintained at this level. Currently, the average water consumption in eThekwini is very high at 298 litres per capita (person), per day (l/c/d) compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d, according to the municipality.
To address the water crisis in eThekwini and achieve planned targets, the eThekwini municipality requires a fundamental re-evaluation of governance systems and practices, as the current crisis highlights the failures in planning, management, and infrastructure maintenance. Despite South Africa's high national water access rate, regions like eThekwini continue to suffer from acute water shortages that significantly affect both daily life and the economy. The crisis underscores how essential water is - not only as a basic human right but also as a critical resource for sustaining industries such as tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Like in most municipalities across the country, the root of the water crisis in eThekwini lies in a confluence of governance failures and structural deficiencies. The municipality's water and sanitation systems have been hampered by years of neglect, criminality, rapid population growth, and economic stagnation. Despite attempts at temporary relief, such as the recent water curtailment measures and water shedding in areas such uMlazi and Ntuzuma, these efforts have proven inadequate to solve the larger issue of supply deficits.
One of the key contributors to the crisis is the municipality’s rising Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which has increased from 37% in 2013 to 58% in 2023, indicating massive water losses due to leaks and theft. The impact of environmental factors, including floods that have damaged key wastewater treatment works, further exacerbates the situation. For example, algae blockages at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works are reducing its capacity to process clean water, directly affecting supply to many areas. For the residents of eThekwini, the water crisis translates into severe disruptions to their daily lives. Some residents are already struggling with low water pressure or complete cutoffs. Communities like Parkgate in Verulam and Phoenix have staged protests, citing the lack of reliable water tankers and the erratic nature of water deliveries. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with disabilities, are particularly hard hit by these conditions, as they rely heavily on consistent municipal services.
However, the governance issues surrounding eThekwini’s water crisis are even more troubling. The failure to maintain and modernise water infrastructure, much of which was built decades ago, has left the city vulnerable to frequent leaks, burst pipes, and pump failures. Furthermore, the municipality’s delayed response to the deteriorating infrastructure reflects a broader problem of political mismanagement. Corruption, misallocation of resources, and poorly executed tenders have delayed critical projects and resulted in poor-quality workmanship, exacerbating the crisis. The lack of forward planning is another major governance failure. The municipality has been slow to respond to increasing water demand driven by population growth and environmental pressures like drought. Insufficient investment in water supply systems and reservoirs has left the city exposed, and inadequate planning for the future has compounded the risks posed by climate change.
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In response to the crisis, the municipality has often been reactive rather than proactive. Water restrictions and rationing have been implemented too late, while emergency repairs to leaks and broken infrastructure are slow and inefficient. These governance issues are further aggravated by lack of transparency and poor communication with the public. Many residents have expressed frustration at being kept in the dark about water cuts and inconsistent service restoration timelines. Political instability within the municipality further complicates matters. Frequent leadership changes and factional disputes undermine long-term planning and hinder effective decision-making. Critical appointments, particularly in infrastructure and public works, are often politically motivated, leading to ineffective management and policy implementation.
Solving the water crisis in eThekwini will require a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach. Key actions include reducing NRW by replacing outdated pipelines and prioritising water reuse and desalination projects. Large-scale initiatives such as the Umkhomazi Water Project and raising the Hazelmere Dam wall are steps in the right direction but will take time to complete. In the meantime, communities will continue to face hardships unless there is more significant and immediate intervention. Public awareness and engagement are also critical. Campaigns aimed at encouraging water conservation and wise usage, as outlined in the National Water Act of 1998, must be ramped up to ensure residents adopt sustainable water management practices. Rainwater harvesting, improving irrigation techniques, and reducing non-essential water use are just a few strategies that can help mitigate the crisis while larger infrastructural projects are being completed.
To address water scarcity effectively, eThekwini must reform its governance systems. A more transparent, accountable, and proactive approach is essential. This includes investing in infrastructure, improving communication with the public, addressing corruption and mismanagement, and ensuring that leadership positions are filled by qualified professionals rather than political appointees. Only through these systemic reforms can the municipality hope to secure a sustainable and equitable water supply for its residents and meet its constitutional obligations for water and sanitation services.
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