The tie-in of the Mamba Ridge Pipeline into the Avondale pipeline is complete. The new connection will assist in directing two million litres of water a day from the Hazelmere Dam to some parts of oThongathi.

RESIDENTS in some parts of oThongathi will have water from their taps again from the end of this week. This was confirmed by Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu and eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda during a community meeting at the Tongaat indoor Sport centre on 16 September. 

The restoration of water supply comes after the completion of a tie-in of the Mamba Ridge Pipeline from the Hazelmere Waterworks to the Mamba Ridge Reservoir. The new connection will assist in directing two million litres of water a day from the Hazelmere Dam to some parts of oThongathi. “I am here to announce to you that the tie-in is done. This is in line with an undertaking we had made to resolve water challenges in Tongaat. The only thing we need to do now is tests do establish whether there are any leaks in the pipes. 

We also need to check the quality of water as these are new pipes”, said Minister Mchunu. Minister Mchunu has also called for the community’s patience during the testing of the water supply. He called on the community to first boil water when used for drinking in the first few days after it starts flowing. “This is just a precautionary measure until we are certain that it is good for drinking”, the Minister said. OThongathi was severely affected by the floods earlier this year
with the water treatment works destroyed, leaving the area without a water supply. Following the flood damage, government assured residents that the City would work tirelessly to complete repairs to the oThongathi Water Treatment Plant. Mayor Kaunda added that the repairs of the plant expected to be completed by end of October. 

He assured residents who will not benefit from the tie in such as the community of Hambanathi that they will be prioritised to receive water when the new water works is commissioned. The new connection to the Mamba Ridge pipeline was done through the assistance of Umgeni Water, working jointly with the City. The Mamba Ridge Reservoir
was filled on 15 September and thereafter, water will be pumped to the Jan Roz Reservoir. The system is expected to take a few days to stabilise before water will be opened to supply the Jan Roz zone which includes the following suburbs: