eThekwini Municipality grapples with 65 percent water loss woes and 12 000 water leaks
eThekwini Municipality in Durban is facing severe water losses, with Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reaching 65% in July, indicating significant water leakage. The municipality reports approximately 12,000 water leaks requiring repairs. Tensions have escalated between the Water and Sanitation Directorate and plumbers, with some plumbers blocking access to a depot due to unpaid invoices and changes in procurement processes. Councillor Samantha Windvogel highlighted that the Contractor-Initiated Procurement (CIP) process, recommended to address plumber shortages, has not been formally adopted, leaving the department understaffed. She noted that residents are frustrated by visible water waste while experiencing shortages. During an EXCO meeting, the municipality criticized the blockage of depots as unlawful and disruptive. City Manager Musa Mbhele explained that revised procurement processes, based on Auditor-General findings, are being implemented through the Contractor Infrastructure Panel (CIP), despite legal challenges from some contractors.
eThekwini Municipality faces mounting challenges as it contends with a staggering 65% non-revenue water (NRW) loss rate, marking a sharp increase from the usual annual average of 55%. The situation has worsened due to approximately 12,000 active water leaks within the city, exacerbating concerns over inefficient water distribution and management. These figures highlight a critical infrastructure issue affecting Durban, South Africa, where water scarcity and wastage are becoming increasingly problematic. The municipality is currently under pressure to resolve these issues, particularly after recent disputes involving former contracted plumbers and the introduction of a revised procurement strategy. The conflict escalated when former plumbers attempted to block access to the Water and Sanitation (EWS) Pinetown Depot on Tuesday. According to Alan Peterson, a DA councillor and Trading Services Committee whip, the protesters were motivated by unpaid invoices and dissatisfaction with new procurement procedures. Their actions drew criticism from the municipality, which described them as unlawful and disruptive to service delivery. During an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting, officials condemned the blockade, emphasizing its negative impact on municipal operations and the community's access to essential services. Samantha Windvogel, a DA ward 65 councillor, voiced concerns over the rising NRW levels, noting that the 65% figure far exceeds the national benchmark. She highlighted the inadequacy of the current workforce, stating that the 56 internal plumbers available lack sufficient contracted support to tackle the extensive leak problem. Windvogel also pointed out that residents are being left in limbo regarding how to handle leaks, with no official guidance from the municipality on the status of outstanding issues or potential solutions. The municipality's response to these challenges involves implementing a new procurement model known as the Contractor Infrastructure Panel (CIP). This initiative was prompted by recommendations from the Auditor-General, which identified irregularities in the prior contracting arrangements. City manager Musa Mbhele explained that the shift aims to ensure compliance with regulations and improve transparency in the hiring process. However, some former contractors have resisted the change, preferring direct contracts with the city instead of operating as subcontractors under managing contractors. Mbhele noted that despite legal challenges from certain contractors, the new system is gradually taking shape. In the northern region, the onboarding of managing contractors has been completed, and work is progressing. The expansion of this model is ongoing across other areas, although disputes persist among some stakeholders. The managing contractors receive a 15% management fee, approved by the City’s Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC), with payment rates remaining consistent with previous agreements. Ednick Msweli, the Executive Director of Technical Services, emphasized that the current disputes center around the transition to the new contracting model. He reiterated that the focus remains on ensuring continuous service delivery while addressing the underlying issues contributing to the high NRW levels. The municipality is aware of the public frustration caused by visible water waste and the simultaneous occurrence of water shortages in some communities. Efforts are being made to balance the need for regulatory compliance with the urgency of resolving the immediate water crisis. The situation underscores the complexity of managing urban infrastructure in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. As the municipality navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of the new procurement model will be crucial in determining whether the NRW levels can be reduced and the water supply stabilized for all residents. The outcome of ongoing negotiations and implementations will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water management in eThekwini.
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eThekwini Municipality in Durban is facing severe water losses, with Non-Revenue Water (NRW) reaching 65% in July, indicating significant water leakage. The municipality reports approximately 12,000 water leaks requiring repairs. Tensions have escalated between the Water and Sanitation Directorate and plumbers, with some plumbers blocking access to a depot due to unpaid invoices and changes in procurement processes. Councillor Samantha Windvogel highlighted that the Contractor-Initiated Procurement (CIP) process, recommended to address plumber shortages, has not been formally adopted, leaving the department understaffed. She noted that residents are frustrated by visible water waste while experiencing shortages. During an EXCO meeting, the municipality criticized the blockage of depots as unlawful and disruptive. City Manager Musa Mbhele explained that revised procurement processes, based on Auditor-General findings, are being implemented through the Contractor Infrastructure Panel (CIP), despite legal challenges from some contractors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation involving multiple stakeholders—municipal authorities, plumbers, and councillors—with no clear ideological slant. It reports on both the technical challenges (water leaks, NRW figures) and administrative issues (procurement reforms, contractor
Why factuality (85): The article reports on eThekwini Municipality's water loss issue, citing specific figures like 65% NRW and 12,000 leaks. It references councillor statements and mentions ongoing challenges with plumber contracts and procurement processes. While there is no primary source, the information aligns with
Why objectivity (70): The tone leans slightly towards criticism of the municipality and contractors, particularly highlighting frustrations of residents and councillors. The article frames the situation as a growing crisis and emphasizes the impact on everyday life, which could be seen as somewhat biased toward portrayin
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 75Objective 656 days ago
In Boipatong, despite over R70 million invested in sewer infrastructure upgrades, Lebohang Secondary School continues to face issues with raw sewage spilling onto its premises. Learners attend classes amidst contaminated grounds, unusable sports facilities, and health risks. School officials report that sewage spills reach the area near the school kitchen, impacting meal preparation. The Gauteng Department of Education acknowledges the issue and notes that a municipal sewer line runs through the school, causing recurring flooding and spillages. While the school’s internal sewer replacement project has been completed, the broader sewer upgrade project remains unfinished, with the final phase expected to take several weeks. The Emfuleni Local Municipality attributes ongoing problems to both incomplete infrastructure work and pre-existing sewer issues within the school, citing modifications made by the school itself as contributing factors.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation, quoting multiple stakeholders including school officials, the Gauteng Department of Education, and the Emfuleni Local Municipality. It does not overtly favor any political side or ideology, nor does it exhibit strong editorial bias toward any
Why factuality (75): The article discusses the ongoing sewage issue at Lebohang Secondary School, mentioning R70 million spent on upgrades and the current state of the school grounds. It cites quotes from the school's safety committee and a statement from the Gauteng Department of Education. While these details are pres
Why objectivity (65): The article presents the situation in a critical light, emphasizing the negative impact on students and the failure of infrastructure upgrades. There is a clear focus on the problems faced by the school, which could be interpreted as a slight bias towards highlighting the shortcomings of local autho
News24IndependentProgressiveFactual 60Objective 553 days ago
The article highlights a major financial scandal involving the mismanagement of water funds in South Africa, where billions of rand have been lost due to corruption and inefficiency. This has led to severe consequences for communities relying on municipal water services, with many residents consuming unsafe 'poison' water. The report underscores systemic failures within local governments responsible for managing water infrastructure and distribution. It calls attention to the urgent need for accountability and reform in public service delivery. The issue reflects broader challenges in governance and resource allocation across the country.
Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the scandal as a result of systemic corruption and poor governance, which aligns with left-leaning critiques of state institutions. While it does not explicitly advocate for specific policies, the emphasis on accountability and the negative portrayal of current management suggest左
Why factuality (60): This article uses strong headline language and lacks detailed supporting evidence or sources. It refers to a 'R500bn municipal scandal' without providing specific data or citations. The lack of concrete information and the vague nature of the claims lower its factual credibility compared to the prev
Why objectivity (55): The tone is highly critical and alarmist, using emotionally charged language such as 'drink poison' and 'scandal.' The article appears to take a strongly negative stance without presenting balanced perspectives or alternative viewpoints, indicating a lack of objectivity.
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