DURBAN - eThekwini’s water crisis is deepening, with experts warning that demand could begin outstripping available supply within the next two years.
The warning comes as the municipality battles a growing number of water leaks, infrastructure failures and ongoing supply interruptions.
According to WaterCAN Communications Manager Jonathan Erasmus, reported water faults have increased sharply, from 744 in November to almost 15,000 by May.
Erasmus warns the city could reach a point where demand exceeds available supply by 2027 or 2028.
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“I think in about 2027, 2028, we’ll start seeing demand outstrip supply.”
He says the gap between demand and supply could persist until around 2031 or 2032, when additional water infrastructure is expected to come online.
Until then, Erasmus says urgent action is needed to protect the water resources and infrastructure the city already has.
“The crisis is real. It’s already happening.”
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Erasmus also questions accountability within eThekwini’s Water and Sanitation Department, saying there has been little change at senior management level over the past 15 years.
He says this raises questions about how the deterioration of the city’s water infrastructure has been managed.
Erasmus also points to the condition of eThekwini’s rivers, saying high levels of E. coli are linked to problems with wastewater treatment infrastructure.
He says problems with wastewater treatment have been evident since around 2018, with subsequent floods accelerating the damage.