uMngeni-uThukela Water, Author at uMngeni-uThukela Water

El Niño Update – April 2024

18/04/202418/07/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Water Blogs

According to model assessments by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal remains in an El Niño state for the April-May-June (AMJ) period. Therefore, an El Niño advisory remains as oceanic and atmospheric indicators in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean continue to align with the diminishing El Niño event. The multi-model based forecasts suggest that neutral conditions will prevail from late autumn into winter, with a high likelihood for La Niña conditions to develop towards the end of winter.

Figure 1: Mid-April ENSO Forecast by IRI.

uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation received relatively normal to above-average rainfall during April 2024. As a result, all dams managed by uMngeni-uThukela Water remained in relatively high storage levels during April and were at full supply capacity on 01^st May 2024. Only the Ludeke, Hazelmere, iMvutshane and Pongolapoort Dams were below full supply capacity as these are managed at relatively low storage levels for safety reasons.

Table 1: Dam levels as % of full supply capacity in UUW and some DWS-managed dams on 1^st May 2024, compared to the previous two years.

Site Name	Dam Level (% of full supply capacity)
	01 May 2024	01 May 2023	01 May 2022
Mearns Dam	108	103	117
Spring Grove Dam	101	99	101
Midmar Dam	100	97	101
Henley Dam	105	105	107
Albert Falls Dam	101	99	102
Nagle Dam	100	95	102
Inanda Dam	101	101	103
Home Farm Dam	101	100	113
Nungwane Dam	101	101	102
Umzinto Dam	100	99	100
E.J. Smith Dam	100	98	100
Mhlabatshane Dam	101	100	101
Ludeke Dam	46	65	100
Hazelmere Dam	84	56	53
iMvutshane Dam	61	62	90
Goedertrouw Dam	98	100	99
Pongolapoort Dam	87	84	89
Olifantskop Dam	104	102	110
Spioenkop Dam	100	99	100
Wagendrift Dam	101	100	102
Woodstock Dam	100	95	101

The high storage levels indicate that there is no risk of non-supply for UUW’s customers in the short-term. However, the beginning of May is a critical period for water resources planning in UUW’s area of operation, as it marks the onset of the dry season. Therefore, it is important for water users to conserve water during this period. uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to monitor the ENSO signal, as well as developments in SA’s neighbouring countries, i.e. Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia, who are currently experiencing an El Niño-induced drought. The next update will be issued at the end of May 2024.

El Niño Update – March 2024

01/03/202418/07/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Water Blogs

Based on oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean, an El Niño advisory remains. According to the mid-March model assessments by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal remains in an El Niño state for the March-April-May (MAM) period. There is a high likelihood for neutral conditions to develop in autumn, while the long-term assessments suggest a potential return of a La Niña cycle later in the year.

The ongoing El Niño event has reached its peak and is currently diminishing. However, its effects are currently being experienced in various parts of the world. For example, South Africa’s neighboring countries, i.e. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are currently experiencing an El Niño-induced drought and have each declared a state of national disaster due to its impacts on livelihood, e.g. electricity supply (hydro-power). Therefore, it is essential for South Africa to remain alert as an El Niño advisory remains.

Figure 1: Mid-March ENSO Forecast by IRI.

Similar to February 2024, most of South Africa, as well as uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation, received below-average rainfall during March 2024. However, most dams managed by uMngeni-uThukela Water remained in relatively high storage levels, with the levels of major dams such as Midmar, Albert Falls, Inanda and Goedertrouw Dams currently at 96%, 100%, 101% and 99% of full supply capacity, respectively.

Figure 2: March 2024 rainfall as a percentage of the long-term average (Source: South African Weather Service)

Although relatively below-average rainfall was received during March 2024, there is no risk of non-supply to UUW’s customers in the short term. However, prolonged periods of below-average rainfall (as suggested by the South African Weather Service) may increase the risk of non-supply through low storage levels. Furthermore, developments from SA’s neighbouring countries (i.e. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi) warrant the need to remain alert and closely monitor climatic conditions and dam levels.

Table 1: A three month comparison of water levels as % of full supply capacity in UUW and some DWS-managed dams.

Site Name	Dam Level (% of full supply capacity)
	01 February 2024	01 March 2024	01 April 2024
Mearns Dam	106	103	108
Spring Grove Dam	95	99	101
Midmar Dam	100	100	96
Henley Dam	105	107	105
Albert Falls Dam	101	101	100
Nagle Dam	101	100	86
Inanda Dam	102	102	101
Home Farm Dam	104	103	101
Nungwane Dam	102	101	101
Umzinto Dam	100	100	100
E.J. Smith Dam	100	100	100
Mhlabatshane Dam	101	101	101
Ludeke Dam	68	46	49
Hazelmere Dam	83	83	84
iMvutshane Dam	87	60	56
Goedertrouw Dam	100	99	99
Pongolapoort Dam	81	81	84
Olifantskop Dam	106	104	106
Spioenkop Dam	101	100	100
Wagendrift Dam	101	101	101
Woodstock Dam	91	96	100

uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) encourages its customers, and water users in general, to practice and promote water resources conservation measures. UUW publishes home-based water conservation tips on a weekly basis through the company’s social media platforms and encourages the public to share more tips that promote water use efficiency at household level. uMngeni-uThukela Water will issue an update at the end of April 2024.

El Niño Update – February 2024

10/02/202410/07/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Water Blogs

Hey there, water users! uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) would like to share the latest update on the ongoing El Niño cycle. Model assessments indicate that the El Niño event has reached its peak, with ENSO currently in a moderate-strong El Niño state. UUW will continue to monitor the development of ENSO as an El Niño advisory remains. Remember to use water sparingly.

Most sites in uMngeni-uThukela’s area of operation saw below-average rainfall in February, with some receiving as little as 50% of normal rainfall, e.g. Mearns Weir and Inanda Dam. We are closely monitoring rainfall, dam levels and the ENSO signal as we approach the end of summer.

Even though February brought below-average rainfall, our dams are on relatively high storage levels, ensuring no immediate risk of non-supply for our customers. However, forecasts are calling for below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures for the next three months in South Africa.

To tackle potential challenges head-on, let’s all do our part in practicing efficient water usage. Keep an eye out for the conservation tips provided by UUW weekly. Stay tuned for more insights. Together, let’s ensure sustainable water management.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE: DISRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY AT THE MIDMAR WATER WORKS DUE TO ESKOM POWER OUTAGE

02/02/202404/07/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, News

Friday, 2 February 2024

The Midmar Water Works is currently not operating due to a power outage which Eskom has attributed to maintenance work in the area.

Due to this power outage, uMngeni-uThukela is currently unable to supply bulk water to parts of the uMgungundlovu, Msunduzi Local Municipality, and the eThekwini Metro which are all fed from the Midmar Water Works.

Eskom has not provided a time frame on when power will be restored.

Water supply to the following areas has been affected due to the power outage:

Howick
Hilton
Mpophomeni
Vulindlela
Parts of Pietermaritzburg
Camperdown
Eston
Umbumbulu
Parts of the Outer West of eThekwini

We apologise for the disruption caused by the power outage.

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit

El Niño Update – January 2024

10/01/202418/07/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, Water Blogs

uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) continues to monitor the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal and its potential impact on water resources. According to the latest (mid-January) assessment, El Niño conditions in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean remain strong, consistent with the on-going El Niño event. The Southern Oscillation Index, however, was in the neutral region (+3.7) during January 2023.

According to the latest climate model projections, strong El Niño conditions will continue to prevail for the remainder of the South African summer season, with neutral conditions likely to develop during mid-autumn (see Australian Bureau of Meteorology and International Research Institute for Climate and Society for detailed information on climate model predictions). Therefore, an El Niño advisory remains until the next assessment (mid-February).

Similar to December 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation continued to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during January 2024. As a result, all dams managed by UUW were above fully supply capacity on 01^st February 2024, except the Spring Grove Dam (95%), as well as dams managed at low storage levels for safety reasons. Based on the current water resource status, there is no risk of non-supply in UUW’s area of operation in the short-term.

*Dam levels managed for safety reasons.

Site Name	Storage level (%)
Site Name	Today	Last Year
Henley Dam	105	107
Hazelmere Dam*	83	54
Umzinto Dam	100	100
Inanda Dam	102	103
iMvutshane Dam*	87	86
Mearns Dam	106	121
Nagle Dam	101	102
Spring Grove Dam	95	102
Nungwane Dam	102	101
Albert Falls Dam	101	102
Home Farm Dam	104	102
Olifantskop Dam	106	116
Ludeke Dam*	68	53
Midmar Dam	100	101
Mhlabatshane Dam	101	101
Woodstock Dam	91	85
Spioenkop Dam	101	100
Wagendrift Dam	101	102
Goedertrouw Dam	100	100

Most global climate models suggest that the El Niño cycle is approaching its peak. Therefore, it is important for all stakeholders to remain alert for the remainder of the summer season. February is traditionally the hottest month of the year in UUW’s area of operation and climate models predict above-normal maximum temperatures for February and March 2024 in this area.

Water loss through evaporation increases with temperature; therefore, the projected high temperatures may pose a risk to water resources availability. Water users are encouraged to continue to use water efficiently by following the home-based water conservation tips issued by UUW on a weekly basis. uMngeni-uThukela Water will issue an update at the end of February 2024.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE: Release of water from the Hazelmere Dam Due to heavy rains

28/12/2023 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight

Thursday, 28 December 2023

The heavy rains in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal have prompted uMngeni-uThukela Water to release water from the Hazelmere Dam. The release of water will start at 8am on Friday, 29 December 2023 and continue until a safe operating level is attained. This exercise is necessary to prevent the risk of flooding of dwellings located upstream of the dam.

Recent streamflow and dam level readings indicate that inflows into Hazelmere have increased exponentially and the dam level continues to rise. Currently, the water level at the Hazelmere Dam is at 85%, which poses a risk of flooding of homes located within the flood line upstream of the dam.

For these reasons, Umngeni-uThukela Water which manages this dam on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation has taken a decision to release water on an emergency basis in order to reduce the dam level to comply with set operating rules

Water released from Hazelmere Dam makes its way into the Mdloti River, causing it to rise significantly. The river swells can be significant and do pose a risk drowning or getting washed away for people attempting to cross the river during this time.

We therefore urge the public to stay away from the river, not attempt to cross low-lying bridges and to safeguard any property, including livestock, that may be in proximity of the river banks while the water releases are in progress.

Issued: uMngeni-uThukela, Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive

ISAZISO ESIBHEKISWE EMPHAKATHINI NABEZINDABA: UKUDEDELWA KWAMANZI EDAMINI IHAZELMERE

ULwesine, 28 Disemba 2023

Izimvula ezinamandla ezingxenyeni zesifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal seziphoqe isikhungo esiphehla amanzi uMngeni-uThukela ukuba sidedele amanzi kwelinye lamadamu asenyakatho neTheku, iHazelmere Dam.

Lokhu kuzoqala ngehora lesishiyalombili ekuseni ngoLwesihlanu mhla zingu 29 Disemba 2023 kanti kuyoqhubeka kuze kube idamu lifinyelela ezingeni eliphephile lokusebenza. Ukudedelwa kwamanzi edamini kubalulekile ukuze kuqikelelwe ukuphepha kwemizi eyakhiwe bude buduze nalo ngoba ingaba sengcupheni yokwemuka uma lingagcwala lize lichitheke.

Ngokwezikalo zakamuva zomthamo wamanzi, iHazelmere Dam igcwele iyachichima njengoba iku-85% kanti isaqhubeka ukwamukela amanzi.

Ngenxa yalokhu, uMngeni-uThukela uyaphoqeleka ukuthi udedele amanzi ukuze kwehliswe umthamo wawo. Amanzi azodedelwa eHazelmere azongena emfuleni uMdloti nokuzoholela ekutheni ugcwale kakhulu. Ngaleyondlela sicela ukuthi umphakathi uqaphele ukuwela umfula njengoba uzobe udla izindwani.

Kanjalo nabantu abanempahla esosebeni lomfula, kubalwa nemfuyo, siyabacela ukuthi baqaphe kakhulu ngalesisikhathi ngoba kuzoba nobungozi bokwemuka.

Chief Executive 5 Year Fixed Term Contract

05/12/202304/02/2024 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, News

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]uMngeni-uThukela Water is a state-owned enterprise (SOE) mandated to provide bulk water and related services in the province. It is the second-largest Water Board in South Africa and employs over 1500 committed, motivated and enthusiastic employees in diverse professions, trades, and occupational levels. uMngeni-uThukela Water current strategic theme of being a “key partner that enables government to deliver effective and efficient water and related services in a financially sustainable manner”.

We seek candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need employees who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage resources entrusted to them, and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

The purpose of the job is: To provide strategic direction, leadership and risk assurance of a leading bulk water services utility in South Africa in order to fulfil its core mandate and vision

The Chief Executive is accountable for ensuring that the organisation complies with its mandate as per the Water Services Act and as directed by the Shareholder while maintaining its financial sustainability
To assume accountability for the uMngeni-uThukela Water strategy, business model and the overall business operations
To appraise the Board of Directors (Non-Executive) on uMngeni-uThukela Water’s strategic direction, value creation and sustainability of the uMngeni-uThukela Water business
Undertake broader stakeholder engagements to maintain shareholder confidence and improve business efficiencies
Drive and oversee sustainable change management programmes to achieve broader organizational effectiveness
Identify organizational interventions and deploy appropriate resources to respond to the Corporate Risk Register and emerging risks as well as changing environmental demands
Oversee the compilation and submission of the annual shareholder compact and subsequent alignment of the organizational performance to the agreed Balance Scorecard targets
Responsible for the implementation of the Board Resolutions, uMngeni-uThukela Water strategic objectives and the performance measures driving the Annual Business Plan as may be directed by the Board.

Key Responsibilities: Development of Strategy, Performance Management and Corporate Business Plans

Operational efficiency and effectiveness & Infrastructure and Water Resources Sustainability
Financial Management
Corporate Governance and Legal Compliance
Stakeholder Management
Human Capital Management.

Minimum Qualifications: BEng / BSc in Civil / Mechanical / Chemical Engineering/ Natural Science

A postgraduate qualification MBA/ MBL
Registration with the relevant professional body will be an added advantage.

Minimum Experience: Proven experience of 10 years at Senior Management Level with a minimum of 5 years at an Executive Level in a large scale organization dealing with water and sanitation.

Technical and Functional Competencies: Ability to create a KZN-wide vision and position the organization as a provincial utility

Strategy creation and plan formulation to ensure effective management of the utility
Ability to influence and guide directors, executives and staff in the utility
Technically sound in terms of contracts, project structuring and projects management
Understanding and ability to initiate and implement relevant contracting methodologies
Guide the setting of the utility’ bond market program
Ability to attract investments and to raise funds for the utility
Ability to function at an inter-governmental level
Understanding of the political economy of the region (within the 4 Clusters of the utility), and clear understanding of socioeconomic realities in the province
Clear understanding of corporate competencies, understanding of the financial markets, the role of borrowers and lenders as key partners, as well as appreciation of risk and return.

Behavioral Competencies:

Analytical Ability and Deductive Reasoning
Relationship Management
Integrity
People management
Interpersonal skills
Systematic, organized, high energy and results driven
Persuasive
Innovation.

uMngeni-uThukela Water is committed to the development of staff and promotes diversity, inclusiveness, and equity within the organisation. This appointment will be made in the context of the Employment Equity Plan. Successful candidates/applicants will be subjected to competency assessments and Security Clearance to the appropriate level as may be determined by uMngeni-Thukela Water from time to time.

Interested persons are requested to email the application letter, curriculum vitae, certified ID copy and certified copies of qualifications for attention to: Chiefexecutive.recruitment@umngeni-uthukela.co.za clearly indicating the position applied for and reference number. Applications without certified copies as well as those that are hand delivered will not be accepted. For enquires please contact at ce.enquiries@umngeni-uthukela.co.za.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”Download the advert” color=”primary” link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.umngeni-uthukela.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F12%2FAdvert-Chief-Executive_.pdf|target:_blank”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Reduction of water supply from DV Harris Water Works due to pipeline damage by SANRAL contractor – 22 November 2023

23/11/2023 uMngeni-uThukela Water Announcements, Highlight, News

PUBLIC NOTICE

uMngeni-uThukela Water has embarked on repairs to a pipeline that was damaged on Monday, 20 November 2023 by a contractor engaged in SANRAL work. The damaged pipeline supplies water to the Umlaas Road Reservoir. As a result of the damage and the subsequent repair process, there has been a reduction in the flow of water by 30 mega litres.

This has affected supply to:

Point M
Manyavu
Cator Ridge
Camperdown
Eston
Mid-Illovo
Umbumbulu
Summerveld
KwaXimba
Georgedale
Mpumalanga
Hammersdale
Shongweni
Zwelibomvu
Inwabi
Ngonyameni

Issued: Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive

Minister Mchunu congratulates uMngeni-uThukela Water on its AA+ Fitch rating

17/11/2023 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, News

The Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation South Africa, Mr Senzo Mchunu, is pleased with the newly reconfigured uMngeni-uThukela Water’s National Long-Term rating at ‘AA+’, by Fitch Ratings.

uMngeni-uThukela Water is an entity of the Department of Water and Sanitation, that came about following the reconfiguration of uMngeni-uThukela Water and Mhlathuze Water and is tasked to provide services to the whole of the Kwa-Zulu Natal province.

Reputable credit ratings agency, Fitch Ratings, reaffirmed uMngeni-uThukela Water’s AA+ rating while noting that the utility still remained on solid footing and on course to meeting its mandate, despite the recent reconfiguration of uMngeni-uThukela Water and Mhlathuze Water. The agency further detailed the key rating drivers and provided insight as to what would negatively affect the rating, stating the following: “Fitch could revise the Outlook to Negative if significant water losses and further delays of infrastructure investments constrain water supply and remain a key risk without proactive mitigating measures by management and the Department of Water and Sanitation”.

In congratulating the entity, Minister Mchunu had the following to say: “This is indeed a great accomplishment by uMngeni-uThukela Water, despite the reconfiguration which was concluded recently. We do take note of the warnings by Fitch Ratings and as a Department, we want to assure Fitch and the public that these issues are receiving our focused attention and we will continue to support the entity, as well as the newly appointed 12-member Board as they service the people of Kwa-Zulu Natal. We want to get to a point where all our entities are model entities and uMngeni-uThukela is on the right track. I would like to urge uMngeni-uThukela Water to keep it up!”

uMngeni-uThukela engages with stakeholders on bulk water tariffs

17/11/2023 uMngeni-uThukela Water Highlight, News

On Tuesday, 13 November 2023, the Executive Management of uMngeni-Uthukela engaged with various stakeholders including municipalities, the National Treasury, the South African Local Government Association, Siza Water, and Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority on proposed bulk water tariffs for the 2024/2025 period.

In its presentation to stakeholders, uMngeni-uThukela stressed that, in preparation for the tariff review, it had focussed on maintaining financial viability, infrastructure maintenance, and upgrades, and delivering quality potable water and related services.

Stakeholders expressed gratitude to uMngeni-uThukela for the consultative session, adding that there was a need to work collaboratively between water service authorities and the Water Board on issues of mutual interest. These include curbing non-revenue water loss and speeding up of new infrastructure projects for future water security.

As part of the ongoing consultations, uMngeni-uThukela will meet with its industrial and municipal stakeholders in the Richards Bay northern operations.