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Durban mayor orders faster repair of flood-damaged water mains

Published

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba told the municipality's Water and Sanitation team to speed up replacing water mains washed away by recurring floods, especially in Inanda Newtown A. Repairs to vandalised pressure-reducing valves will start on Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Xaba made the order during an oversight visit on Monday to water infrastructure in the northern areas. Twelve ward councillors went with him. He said the municipality has bought replacement parts for the vandalised valves.

Tampering with pressure-reducing valves has disrupted water supply in Lindelani and Ntuzuma. Some communities have had no reliable supply for months. Vandalism and illegal connections are among the main causes of supply interruptions.

Xaba said repairing a single valve costs between R20 000 and R160 000. He said this money could otherwise pay to expand and improve water infrastructure. He appealed to residents to help stop the damage.

Xaba said: "We call on residents to work with the municipality to curb the vandalism of water infrastructure."

Key facts

Who
Cyril Xaba (Mayor of eThekwini Municipality); eThekwini Municipality (municipality whose Water and Sanitation team is tasked with repairs)
What
During an oversight visit on Monday to water infrastructure in the northern areas, Mayor Cyril Xaba ordered faster replacement of flood-damaged water mains. He confirmed replacement parts for vandalised pressure-reducing valves have been procured, with repairs to begin on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
When
19 October 2026
Where
eThekwini, Inanda Newtown A, Inanda
Status
Reported

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