The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues to reaffirm its commitment to partnering with municipalities to ensure that previously unserved communities have access to potable water.

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, together with Deputy Minister Sello Seitlholo on Friday, 20 February 2026, conducted an oversight at the uMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme located in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, to evaluate its progress and assess the challenges that impedes progress of the water supply scheme.

Minister Majodina and Deputy Minister Seitlholo were joined by Deputy Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, the iLembe District and uMshwathi Local Municipalities, Cllrs Thobani Shandu and Mandla Zondi respectively, as well as uMngeni uThukela Water Board Chairperson, Advocate Vusi Khuzwayo. In attendance were also the traditional leaders of the iLembe Local House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

The water supply scheme is divided into five (5) phases and phases one (1) to three (3) have been completed and are supplying water to various communities in the uMshwathi Municipality while the 4th and 5th phases are still under construction.

Phase 4 includes an almost complete water pipeline supplying five million litres per day (megalitres per day) of water to communities, and 1.5 million litres of reservoirs that are situated at Montobelo Hospital, serving the Dalibho area, where taps are already flowing. Phase 5 features an 11-kilometre bulk water pipeline, recently commissioned that supplies Bhamshela, Ngcongangconga, and Chibini villages with water flowing to the taps.

The Scheme is supplied from an existing 50 megalitres storage reservoir in Claridge, which is in turn supplied from the Midmar Dam through DV Harris Water Treatment Works.

After the completion of entire uMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Scheme, additional bulk potable water supply will also be provided to Ndwedwe and Maphumulo local municipalities.
Minister Majodina has emphasised the importance of focusing on unserved communities stating that: “People in rural areas are citizens who also deserve service delivery. They have the right to access water, and the scheme will help develop livelihoods and restore dignity in the uMgungundlovu District. Rural areas are homes that need service too.”

She has acknowledged delays caused demands from business forums and communities. She further said: “The project began in 2013 and will benefit 28 000 households once finished. Currently, only 15,000 households are currently receiving fresh water supply. Water access equates to freedom, and we are committed to delivering that to unserved communities.”
After the visit, she engaged with residents, visiting one home that receives water from the scheme.

The Minister also announced plans to rehabilitate boreholes and protect spring water sources. She has however encouraged members of the community to harvest rainwater.
Minister Majodina emphasised the Department’s commitment to serving rural areas with the same energy as urban areas.

She added, “We will return in two weeks to commission another bulk water scheme to benefit more unserved communities,” she concluded.

Mayor of uMshwathi, Cllr Zondi celebrated the milestone, adding that he is grateful to the Department for assistance and for shifting focus to the underprivileged community.

“Rural communities tend to be left in the periphery, with little to no access to basic service delivery. There were critical areas that didn’t have water, such as the Montobelo Hospital, which now has its own elevated reservoir. The consistent supply of water has brought relief to the community of uMshwati,” Cllr Zondi expressed.