Global operators’ partnership welcomed by ratepayers
Durban — The eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association (ERRA) is hopeful that non revenue water given to Informal Settlements will be measured following the intervention of the Global Water Operator’s Partnership Alliance funded by the United Nations Habitat in Durban.
As part of eThekwini Municipality’s continuous efforts to reduce non-revenue water, the Water and Sanitation Unit (EWS) has commenced with a trial of installing innovative devices in parts of the City’s water distribution networks.
These devices measure water volumes and pressure management at any network supply point for analysis of water demands to improve water distribution and increase management of data quality.
This is thanks to the donation of equipment by Hamburg Wasserwerke (HWW) through the partnership programme with the alliance.
The HWW is a public utility that provides drinking water to customers in Hamburg.
The donated equipment includes data loggers, pressure transducers and a portable flow transmitter. A team of experts from HWW were in the City to apply their findings following previous visits where they assessed the City’s network of water supply.
City Manager Musa Mbhele said the donation will assist in the reduction of water losses. Mbhele said the knowledge the city was getting as part of the partnership was also essential in harnessing skills and improving their performance.
“It is essential that we turn the tide as these losses translate into significant financial losses and are a resource drain on the municipality,” Mbhele said.
The Water Operators Partnership is comprised of seven workstreams focusing on non-revenue water reduction, bulk water smart metering, tariff modelling, community sensitisation, wastewater treatment, gender mainstreaming and social inclusion, and project management and programme support.
EThekwini Municipality has been actively addressing water losses by repairing leaks and bursts within 48 hours.
In August 2024, 816 pipe bursts, 5 429 operational leaks, 3 901 customer service pipe leaks, and 3 412 sewer blockages were attended to swiftly.
This is part of a multifaceted strategy to address water losses, which includes meter installations and repairs and improved readings, the city said in a statement.
Residents are urged to work with the City to reduce water consumption to acceptable levels of 173 litres per person, per day.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba signed a tripartite agreement with officials from the City of Bremen (Federal Republic of Germany), and Windhoek (Republic of Namibia) on 26 September. The three cities will work together to focus on climate change, water and sanitation, renewable energy, education and skills development as well as waste management.
Spokesperson for ERRA Ish Prahladh claimed that the majority of the water loss and usage is coming from informal settlements.
“This is a great achievement by the municipality to have the devices donated. We note that Mbhele and Xaba are taking great strides in making the municipality work,” Prahladh said.
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