In a major step towards addressing KwaZulu-Natal’s ongoing water and sanitation challenges, Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo and Sello Seitlholo, officially commissioned the R474 million Mpophomeni Wastewater Treatment Works on Friday morning, 18 July.
Though based in Mpophomeni in the uMgungundlovu District, the impact of this large-scale infrastructure project is expected to be felt as far as eThekwini and the South Coast – areas that have faced mounting water supply issues in recent years.
Implemented by uMngeni-uThukela Water in partnership with the uMgungundlovu District Municipality, the upgraded plant is part of a broader strategy to stabilise water services throughout the province. With eThekwini drawing water from the uMngeni-uThukela system, the new facility promises significant relief to communities that have endured supply cuts, poor water quality and strained sanitation infrastructure.
“This project will not only benefit Mpophomeni, Khayelisha and nearby areas – it will support the broader water network, which includes eThekwini and parts of the South Coast,” said Deputy Minister Mahlobo. “It’s about creating long-term stability and resilience for the entire region.”
The revamped plant has doubled its capacity from 6 to 12 million litres per day and includes a new 7-kilometre treated effluent pipeline, as well as the rehabilitation of the Mpophomeni wetland to protect local biodiversity and ecosystems.
With more than 27,000 households in the immediate area expected to benefit directly, Mahlobo stressed that water quality is everyone’s responsibility. He urged residents to play their part in protecting rivers and streams from pollution.
Deputy minister Sello Seitlholo said, “Communities must be educated on the impact of water pollution. What goes into our rivers and streams ultimately comes out of our taps. We cannot tolerate negligence.From now on, municipalities will be held accountable for the state of water sources in their areas. We will start fining them and taking them to court if they fail to act.”
The event was attended by members of the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the mayors of uMngeni and uMgungundlovu Municipalities, and other local leaders. For Durban residents who have faced water restrictions, infrastructure failures and sanitation crises in recent years, this project represents a beacon of hope – and a reminder that long-term water security depends on both government investment and community cooperation.
