New R25 bn water project in works, vows Kaunda
eThekwini's hopeful the construction of a new multi-billion-rand dam will help alleviate the municipality's water supply issues for a decade.
The city says because of ageing infrastructure and leaks, it loses more than 50% of the resource it gets from Umgeni Water.
Experts say the cost of water could triple in the next few years, as our population grows and demand increases.
During a media briefing in Tongaat on Wednesday, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says in order to meet the projected demand - a decision's been taken to build a new water supply source.
READ: Tongaat taps ‘should be running again in couple of days’
"We are now preparing to start the work for the construction of Umkomazi Dam because when you have a limitation of sources of water, we need to address that infrastructural challenge.
“That dam is going to be constructed, it is going to cost around R24 billion. National government will come on board. We, as a municipality and other surrounding municipalities which will be serviced by that dam are also going to pour some resources.”
