Water Provision and Sustainability in uMgungundlovu District Municipality (Development Phase)

One of the most pressing needs in uMgundundlovu District is to provide water to currently under- and unsupplied communities in the rural areas. The district has an aging and failing bulk water infrastructure system leading to currently massive 66% water losses. The challenge for this District is the efficient reticulation of this bulk water to communities and the minimizing water losses. The current challenge for the uMDM is that water demand in the Mngeni River system exceeds availability. The lack of additional water could compromise the implementation of water services delivery and more specifically economic development opportunities for the uMDM if it is not addressed. The high percentage of NRW in the district is attributable to the ageing infrastructure (with high leakage rates and frequent bursts) as well as a lack of or inaccurate metering. These water losses have not only a financial impact but also a significant effect on the available water resources.The project is defined as the upgrading and extension of the existing Umgeni Water bulk pipeline network in five local municipalities of the district municipality Umgungundlovu. The upgrading of the existing Umgeni Water bulk pipeline network result in a reduction of leakages. These savings will be used for the connection of new households. The project area consists of a) small towns (Howick/ Hilton/ Richmond/ Rosetta/ Mooi River/ Camperdown/ Wartburg and Birnam Wood). b) townships (Mpophomeni/ Bruntville/ Phumlas/ Lions River and Khayalisha and c) rural areas (Manzamnyama/ Manyavu/ Nkanyezini/ Swayimane and Thendele)Based on the current population figures the number of beneficiaries that will benefit upon completion of the project in 2016 is 254,100. However, the project has a design life of 20 years. Therefore, the total number of project beneficiaries is thus the population that will receive an improved service as a result of the project in the long-term i.e. over the lifetime of the project. The future population served by the project (in 2036) will therefore be 397,214.