“Since 2017, Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works has brought water security, assurance of water supply to communities in iLembe District Municipality and its surrounding areas. It is not only about the provision of domestic water, but is also about how this water contributes to the economic upliftment of our communities.”
This is how Mr. Ashley Starkey, Provincial Head of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Water and Sanitation summarised the efficacy of Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works which was commissioned in September 2017. The R1,9 billion project was funded jointly by the Department of Water and Sanitation and Umgeni Water, which also manages the operations of the Water Treatment Works.
The water treatment works produces 34 million liters per day (34 Megalitres per day) and is one of the biggest bulk potable water infrastructures in the province. The plant abstracts raw water from Tugela River, which is then processed and stored at a 30 Megalitres reservoir. The reservoir supplies potable water to about 28 000 households or 140 000 people in iLembe District Municipality.
The Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works has replaced the old legacy’s schemes and has brought in new technology and replaced the rudimentary schemes around iLembe area. The water quality has also greatly improved, and the works maintains a 100 SANS 241 standard, whereas old schemes in the past were often plagued with non-compliance in terms of water quality.
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Mr. Pravesh Boodhoo, the Area Manager of Umgeni Water also reiterated the fact that the Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works has uplifted the standard of water supply in the coastal areas – from Tugela to uMvoti.
“This plant essentially mitigated water challenges in the area and has maintained 100% water supply assurance”, he said.
Mr. Boodhoo added that although the Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works has brought stability of fresh water supply to communities, particularly in iLembe District, there are still issues with water reticulation by the municipality.
“There is no problem with bulk water supply but there are reticulation issues that need to be resolved at the municipality level. I must however say that the municipality has implemented programmes that will ensure that there is no interruption of fresh water supply to the communities”, said Mr. Boodhoo.
Lower Thukela Water Treatment Works is interlinked with Hazelmere Dam which supplies water to Honolulu and Avondale reservoirs. However, if Hazelmere cannot supply water due to other operational problems, Thukela Water Treatment Works is able to continue water supply.
The plant also has its own power sub-station. That is, it is not affected by problems of electricity cuts in the District, thus maintaining its optimal supply of water to the coastal areas.
