Continuation of the Reconciliation Strategy of KZN Coastal Metropolitan Area: Phase 2

1. MEDIA STATEMENT
Drought mitigation measures and the long-term development of water
resources for the economic hub of KwaZulu-Natal
March 2016
With two consecutive years of low rainfall in KwaZulu-Natal, drought was in the
spotlight during the latest Steering Committee meeting of the Reconciliation
Strategy for the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Metropolitan Area held on 3 March
2016. Although the primary objective of the Strategy is planning water resource
development over the next 30 years, the immediate challenges of the drought
in KZN highlighted the realities of rainfall variability in Southern Africa.
To address short-term drought challenges in the province a number of
emergency relief schemes have been implemented, including the uThongathi
River transfer scheme to support Hazelmere Dam, Hlimbitwa River transfer
scheme to supply Maphumulo and the Mpambanyoni River transfer scheme to
support uMzinto in the catchment of EJ Smith Dam. As a further drought
mitigation measure, Siza Water, the water supply concessionaire on the North
Coast, has been treating wastewater for re-use, initially, for the filling of
swimming pools and construction activities. However, the treatment of effluent
has evolved to such a level that drinking water quality standards are met and 3
Mℓ/day (1,1 million m³/a) is currently being mixed into the domestic water supply
by Siza Water. This volume is likely to double over the next 12 months. This is
seen as a major step forward in changing public perception regarding the use
of treated effluent and may lead the way for replicating the approach in other
areas.
Drought impacts are further exacerbated by over-abstraction and the inefficient
utilisation of water resources. The Steering Committee again emphasised the
critical role of water conservation and water demand management (WC/WDM)
initiatives to promote the efficient use of water and reduce water losses. This is

2. critical for alleviating water shortages and strong political and public support is
needed to ensure the success of WC/WDM initiatives.
To mitigate the risk of future droughts the Strategy continues to address
long-term water resource development needs. A number of interventions have
been identified for the near future to increase water availability in line with
growing water requirements in the region. Although the recently completed
Spring Grove Dam is supplying much needed water into the Mgeni Water
Supply System, water requirements continue to grow and additional resources
need to be developed soon. A large water transfer scheme from the uMkhomazi
River has been identified as the most feasible long-term augmentation scheme.
Implementation of the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1 (uMWP-1) is targeted
for earliest completion by 2024. Any delay in the implementation of the uMWP-
1 will have dire consequences for the region with a shortfall of 80 million m³
projected for 2024.
To improve water supply to the North Coast, the Lower Thukela Bulk Water
Supply Scheme (LTBWSS) will be fully commissioned by mid-2016, providing
an additional 20 million m³ per annum to the northern parts of eThekwini and
the KwaDukuza Local Municipality in iLembe. DWS has also started with the
raising of Hazelmere Dam. Other longer-term interventions for the region
include a second phase of the LTBWSS and a dam on the Mvoti River.
Options for much needed augmentation of water supply to the South Coast
include either the desalination of seawater or the abstraction of water from the
lower uMkhomazi River at Ngwadini. This scheme will include an abstraction
weir, off-channel storage dam and treatment and distribution infrastructure.
With the imminent completion of the required feasibility studies an informed
decision will be made regarding the best option, considering timescales,
financial aspects and social and environmental considerations.

3. Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation
For more information, contact:
Mr Livhuwani Mabuda,
Chief Director: Integrated Water Resources Planning
Department of water and Sanitation
Tel: 012 336 8477
Cell: 082 805 9139
For media releases, speeches and news visit the Water and Sanitation
portal atwww.dws.gov.za.