A pilot project that could help minimise the effects of the drought in Durban will be implemented by the eThekwini municipality.

Ednick Msweli, head of water and sanitation in the metro, said that Durban and its surrounding areas were still experiencing severe effects of the drought. He added that major dams still recorded below 50% capacity and that the city intended to sink 12 boreholes in areas most affected by the drought.

“We are still in the grip of the drought,” Msweli said. “Only Hazelmere Dam is performing well presently. However, its capacity cannot exceed 70%, as a section of the dam wall is being repaired.”

He presented the pilot project report which outlined its cost implications. News24 reported that the addition of 12 boreholes would cost R450 000 each and that that this would cost the council R5,4 million, with an additional R600 000 for the drilling of the boreholes.

Msweli explained that the cost of a litre of water produced from the boreholes would be considerably less than what the eThekwini municipality paid Umgeni Water.

Benefits of additional boreholes

Based on research for the project, the following forecasts indicated the approximate volumes of water that would be yielded within specific time frames:

• Within one year: Approximately 43 800 000 litres of water would be produced. This would cost R0.14 per litre from the project.
• Within five years: Approximately 219 000 000 litres would be produced, costing R0.03 per litre.
• Within 10 years: Approximately 438 000 000 litres of water would be produced at a cost of R0.01 per litre.

Msweli also indicated that water generating stations would from here on consistently provide 500 people with 20 litres of safe drinking water every day.

He explained that stations were portable, solar-powered, low-maintenance and would only require maintenance once a year. He also said that the stations were designed, produced and patented in South Africa.