uMngeni-uThukela to embark on a 24-hour planned maintenance shutdown of the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 until Thursday, 12 October 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

uMngeni-uThukela to embark on a 24-hour planned maintenance shutdown of the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 until Thursday, 12 October 2023

uMngeni-uThukela Water will implement a planned maintenance shutdown of its Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant to allow for the completion of repair work on Aquaduct-2 which was washed away during the floods in April 2022.

Aqueduct-2 is a large-diameter pipeline that supplies raw water to the Plant for purification and supply to customers.

The planned maintenance shutdown requires the isolation of Aqueduct 2 to allow for the inspection of its last section. Depending on the inspection outcomes, carbon fibre repair kits will be installed on those identified sections of the Aqueduct.

The shutdown will commence at midnight on Wednesday, 11 October 2023, and will be undertaken over 24 hours until midnight on Thursday, 12 October 2023.

This critical maintenance exercise forms part of uMngeni-uThukela’s plans to restore its bulk water infrastructure following damages sustained during the April 2022 floods.

During this time, parts of the eThekwini Metro will experience a reduced supply of water.

The following areas that are supplied by the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant may experience some disruptions or low water pressure during this time:

  • Durban North
  • uMhlanga
  • Phoenix
  • Inanda
  • Ntuzuma
  • KwaMashu
  • Umlazi
  • Chatsworth
  • Folweni
  • Chesterville
  • Westville
  • Pinetown
  • KwaSanti
  • Savannah Park
  • Klaarwater
  • Verulam
  • Redcliffe
  • Richmond Farm
  • Queensburgh
  • Chatsworth
  • Klaarwater
  • Shallcross
  • St Wendolins
  • Savanah Park
  • Welbedatch West
  • Demat
  • Luganda
  • Mawelewele
  • Parts of Nagina
  • Washington Heigh

uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to work with the eThekwini Metro to ensure that disruptions are minimal and that the maintenance work is kept to schedule.

We apologise for any disruption that will be caused during the maintenance work but reassure all our customers and the public that, ultimately, the infrastructure upgrade will result in a more secure supply of water in the future.

We also urge the public to continue to use water sparingly.

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


ISAZISO SOMPHAKATHI

uMngeni-uThukela uzomisa ukusebenza isikhathi esingamahora angu 24 kwisihlanzimanzi iDurban Heights Water Treatment Plant ukuze kwenziwe umsebenzi ohlelelwe ngoLwesithathu, 11 ku Mfumfu (Okthoba) 2023 kuya kuLwesine, 12 ku Mfumfu (Okthoba)  2023

uMngeni-uThukela Water uzomisa okwesikhashana ukusebenza kwesihlanzimanzi sawo iDurban Heights Water Treatment Plant ukuze kuqhutshekwe nomsebennzi wokulungiswa kwe- Aqueduct-2 elilimala mhla kunezikhulula ku Mbasa (Ephreli) 2022.

I-Aqueduct 2 ipayipi elinobubanzi obukhulu eliphakela amanzi kwisihlanzamanzi saseDurban Heights nokuthi uma esehlanzekile adluliswe kumakhasimende ethu.

Lokuqhutshwa kwalo msebenzi ohlelelwe kumbandakanya ukuvalwa kwe-Aqueduct 2 ukuze onjiniyela bakwazi ukuhlola ingxenye yokugcina yepayipi. Uma kunomokalalo ohlonziwe kulo, liyobe selilungiswa kuleyondawo.

Ukumiswa kokuphehlwa kwamanzi awumthamo asuka eDurban Heights kuyoqala ngehora leshumi nambili ebusuku ngoLwesithathu mhlaka 11 ku Mfumfu (Okthoba)  kuze kube ihora leshumi nambili ngoLwesine womhlaka 12 kuMfumfu (Okthoba)  2023.

Lo msebenzi usemqoka kakhulu futhi uyingxenye yezinhlelo zoMngeni-uThukela zokuqikelela ukuvuselelwa kwengqalasizinda yawo ethwala amanzi awumthamo kulandela ukukhahlamezeka kwayo ngezikhukhula zika kuMbasa (Ephreli) 2022. Ngenxa yalokhu kulungiswa, kunezingxenye zikaMasipala oMkhulu weTheku ezingathikamezeka kumbe zehlelwe umfutho wamanzi eziwatholayo.

Lapha kubalwa izindawo ezilandelayo:

  • Durban North
  • uMhlanga
  • Phoenix
  • Inanda
  • Ntuzuma
  • KwaMashu
  • Umlazi
  • Chatsworth
  • Folweni
  • Chesterville
  • Westville
  • Pinetown
  • KwaSanti
  • Savannah Park
  • Klaarwater
  • Verulam
  • Redcliffe
  • Richmond Farm
  • Queensburgh
  • Chatsworth
  • Klaarwater
  • Shallcross
  • St Wendolins
  • Savanah Park
  • Welbedatch West
  • Demat
  • Luganda
  • Mawelewele
  • Parts of Nagina
  • Washington Heigh

uMngeni-uThukela Water uzoqhubeka nokusebenzisana ngokubambisana noMasipala oMkhulu weTheku ukuze kuqikelelwe ukuthi ukuthikamezeka kokuphakwa kwamanzi akubi nomthelela ongako emphakathini.

Sidlulisa ukuxolisa emphakathini namakhasimende ethu ngokuthikamezeka okuzoba khona ngalesi sikhathi kepha siyaqinisekisa ukuthi uyothi ungaphothulwa lo msebenzi ingqalasizinda yethu ikwazi ukumelana kangcono nomsebenzi wokuphaka amanzi awumthamo enkathini ezayo.

Sithanda ukukhumbuza umphakathi ukuthi uqhubeke ngokusebenzisa amanzi ngokonga.

Isaziso sivela kuphiko lokuXhumana namaKhasimende, iHhovisi leSikhulu Esiphezulu, uMngeni-uThukela Water

uMngeni-uThukela Water Young Innovators Conclude the UN Global Compact SDG Innovators Accelerator with an ‘Offboarding’ Showcase” session

Bringing you exciting news, where uMngeni–uThukela Young Professional have once again set themselves far apart from their peers in terms of performance.  In the last couple of months, the Young  Professionals participated in the SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals, which is an  opportunity for participating companies of the UN Global Compact to empower young talent within their organizations to collaborate and accelerate business innovation towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This programme activates future business leaders and change makers to develop and drive innovative solutions through new technologies, initiatives, and business models and deliver on their company’s sustainability objectives.

uMngeni-uThukela young innovators closed off their participation on the United Nations Global Compact SDG Innovators Accelerator for Young Professionals with an “Offboarding ” session where participating companies presented their innovative business model solution developed over the past 6 months.

The team won  1st Place  amongst 17 other companies who were part of the programme. The winning team received partial sponsorship to present and showcase their innovative business solution along 12 other countries at the United Nations Leaders’ Summit. This is the first time of its kind where Young Professionals around the world are given an opportunity to be part of this prestigious session.

uMngeni-uThukela Water has undeniably left a significant mark, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to achieving sustainability development goals.

Congratulations to Sinothile Magubane (Operations), Thandeka Jwara (Process Services), Lungelo Shelembe (Legal Services), Tsepo Lebeko (Laboratory Services), for their successful completion of the programme.

Planned shutdown of pipeline from Hazelmere Water Treatment Works to Ndwedwe Reservoir 5

Monday, 11 September 2023

Essential maintenance work is to be undertaken by uMngeni-uThukela Water – formerly uMngeni-uThukela Water – on the pipeline that carries drinking water from the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works to Ndwedwe Reservoir 5 in Ndwedwe. The work will involve removal and installation of new air valves, among other components. The pipe will be shutdown and work will begin at 08h00 on Monday, 11 September 2023, and is scheduled to be completed by 22h00 on the same day.

Before work commences the pipe will have to be drained and scoured; hence 14 hours have been allocated. In preparation for the pipe shutdown, Ndwedwe Reservoir 5 will be topped up. It is hoped that demand remains constant and that there are no power outages. If this occurs, it will be difficult to top up the reservoir and this will then affect supply from the reservoir.

While work is being conducted it is likely that the whole of the KwaHlope area will be affected by erratic or no water supply.

Once work has been completed, it is expected that water will begin flowing through the pipe by the following day (12 September 2023).

uMngeni-uThukela Water wishes to thank its customer, iLembe District Municipality, for its understanding and support. An apology is also issued to consumers for any inconvenience that may be caused during the shutdown. An assurance is given that every endeavour will be made to try to complete the work in the allocated time.

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

Emergency 8-hour shutdown of the Lower Thukela Bulk Potable Water Pipeline

Tuesday, 29 August 2023

An emergency shutdown of the Lower Thukela Bulk Potable Water Pipeline began at 10h00 on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, following the discovery of a new leak on the pipeline. Work on repairing the leak is scheduled to be completed by 18h00 on the same day. After repairs are completed, the pipeline will be recommissioned, enabling it to receive water and convey water again.

The pipeline will have to be drained before work begins; this, on its own, requires several hours. The pipe conveys drinking water from the Lower Thukela Bulk Potable Water Supply Scheme in Mandini to supply iLembe District Municipality for reticulation within a vast area in KwaDukuza.

The following areas will be affected by no water supply or erratic water supply during the eight (8)-hour shutdown:

  Zinkwazi San Sounci Darnall
  Lindelani Glenhills Sakhamkhanya
  Shekembula Ohlanga Wattenton
  Stanger Manor Mdlebeni Shakaville
  Zamani Gledhow North Thembeni
  KwaDukuza Central Business District Nyoniyamanzi Lot 16 Grouville Mission
  Dube Village Hangoes

 

uMngeni-uThukela Water wishes to thank the iLembe District Municipality for its co-operation and understanding. uMngeni-uThukela Water also wishes to apologise to consumers for any inconvenience that may be caused during the shutdown.

An assurance is given that every effort will be made to try to complete the work before the allocated eight (8) hours.

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

uMngeni-uThukela urges beachgoers and fishermen to refrain from using Alkaanstrand Beach in Richards Bay due to wastewater spillage

Friday, 25 August 2023

uMngeni-uThukela Water would like to caution beachgoers and fishermen against using the Alkaanstrand Beach due to a damaged pipeline which has led to some wastewater spilling into the sea.

The damaged pipeline safely expels treated industrial water into the depths of sea in an environmentally sensitive manner.

While we have already dispatched a crew of technical experts on site to determine the cause of the leak and commence with fixing it, as a precautionary measure, we urge the public to avoid using the Alkaanstrand Beach for recreational activities such as fishing and swimming.

The incident has also been brought to the attention of the relevant authorities and we are working closely with the Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestries and Fisheries,

UMngeni-UThukela has begun a process of sampling water from the Alkaanstrand Beach. The provision of a safe and reliable service to all our customers and the public remains our top priority.

We endeavour to keep the public and all our stakeholders updated on repair work on the damaged pipeline.

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

Call for nominations for members to serve on the board of uMngeni-uThukela Water

The Minister of Water & Sanitation is the Execuive Authority and Shareholder of uMngeni-uThukela Water and is responsible for the appointment of Board Members of Water Boards. uMngeni-uThukela Water has emanated from the reconfiguration of uMngeni-uThukela Water and Mhlathuze Water by extending the boundary of uMngeni-uThukela Water to include Mhlathuze Water to form a single Water Board in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY

  • To provide an oversight role as a non-executive member of the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board.
  • To support the Executive Management to deliver value-added services and business confidence in discharging their roles and responsibilities commensurate to a leading bulk water services utility in South Africa.

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Provide oversight on the governance and statutory requirements of uMngeni-uThukela Water as a State-Owned Entity and ensure overall compliance with the applicable legislative and regulatory framework,
  • Exercise oversight on the implementation of the uMngeni-uThukela Water strategy, business model and the overall policies as applicable to the business operations,
  • Contribute relevant technical and independent governance knowledge to assist the Board to effectively discharge its mandate and to exercise its fiduciary responsibilities,
  • Promote accountability principles to ensure that the uMngeni-uThukela Water Executive Management achieves the organisation’s vision and financial sustainability,
  • Exercise independent oversight on the management of strategic risks within the organisation and review the implementation of the required risk mitigation strategies by Executive Management,
  • Ensure the submission of the required statutory reports to the Shareholder and other statutory bodies in line with the stipulated timeframes and statutory compliance requirements,
  • Attend Board and Committee meetings in accordance with the approved Annual Corporate calendar and the approved annual Committee work plan,
  • Contribute towards and positively impact strategic level discussions during Board and/or Committee meetings.

Role Requirements:
In-depth understanding of the following:

  • Water sector, private and public sector governance | Statutory compliance requirements for SOEs, the Water Services Act, PFMA, Treasury Regulations and other legislation applicable to SOEs | Applicable accounting standards and compliance requirements applicable to SOEs | Treasury Management | Interpretation of financial statements | Strategy formulation and oversight | Policy Review and Formulation | Human Capital management and legislation and policies applicable to employees of SOEs | Risk and Compliance Management | Stakeholder Relations Management | IT Governance.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERTISE

  • Appropriate Recognized Tertiary Qualification at NQF Level 8 or equivalent relevant experience,
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • Engineering and science with demonstrable experience, expertise and specialisation in water services management, water resource management, water project management, environmental management, construction management,
    • Commercial law, corporate governance, compliance and risk management, financial management, human resources management, supply chain management stakeholder relations management and information and communications technology (ICT) management.
  • Appropriate knowledge, understanding and experience in exercising fiduciary duties in accordance with the provisions of the PFMA and WSA, King IV Code on Good Corporate Governance in South Africa (King IV), the Companies Act and other applicable relevant legislation,
  • Seasoned business/professional expertise with extensive experience and requisite skills set in serving on a Board and/or Board Structures of a private and/or public sector entity.
  • At least three (3) years’ experience as a non-executive director in a governance centred organisation, preferably in the Water Sector or related Sector.
  • Proven experience as a Senior Manager or Executive and experience interacting at Board/Committee level.
  • Personal attributes of objectivity, integrity, good reputation, commitment and should be a South African citizen.

Added Advantage:
A Chartered Director (SA)® or Certified Director® or membership of a relevant professional body to demonstrate sound knowledge underpinned by the Director Competency Framework in line with the IoDSA or other professional body, as well as demonstrated depth and breadth of knowledge, skills, and experience. SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
In depth knowledge of corporate governance principles | Mandatory legislative and regulatory framework governing Water Utilities and SOEs | Appreciation of broad economic, commercial and financial trends | Strategic / high-level decision making and strategic oversight | An analytical mind and problem solving skills | Political astuteness and awareness | Relationship building and conflict management | Attention to detail | Communication skills | Integrity and sound judgment | Objectivity | Emotional intelligence. GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION:
A potential nominee will not be considered to hold office as a member of the Board if he/she is inter alia, is an unrehabilitated insolvent, has been previously convicted of any offence involving dishonesty, fraud and/or sentenced to imprisonment without an option of a fine and/or is disqualified in law to hold the office of director. OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Upon appointment, the Minister reserves the right to conduct probity checks (criminal and civil records; reference checks; verification of qualifications and experience; credit record and integrity test). The nominee’s signed acceptance. No person may nominate or second more than one candidate. STIPENDS
The appointed Board Members shall receive a stipend as determined and approved by the Minister of Water and Sanitation from time to time. The stipend is paid in respect of authorised expenses incurred in and during attendance of official duties as a non-executive director of uMngeni-uThukela Water. APPLICATION/NOMINATION PROCESS:
Individual members of the public are invited to apply and/or submit nominations of suitably qualified and experienced persons to be considered for appointment as members of the Board of uMngeni-uThukela Water. Every nomination of a person for appointment to the Board must be signed by a proposer and seconded, none of whom may be the nominee, and must also contain the nominee’s signed acceptance. No person may nominate or second more than one candidate.

  1. The CV of the person applying/nominated,
  2. A copy of the Identification Document (ID) of the person applying/nominated; and
  3. A letter of motivation of no more than two (2) pages in length indicating the suitability of the nominated person/applicant for appointment as a non-executive member of the uMngeni-uThukela Water Board.

Applications/Nominations should be sent electronically to: boardnomination2023@umngeni-uthukela.co.za and marked for the attention of: Acting Chief Executive: uMngeni-uThukela Water – Dr Sipho Manana: Head Office: P O Box 9, Pietermaritzburg, 3200 or hand deliver to 310 Burger Street Pietermaritzburg 3201

 

 

Statement: Closure of the road to iMvutshane Dam – Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Monday, 12 June 2023

Kindly note the road that leads to the iMvutshane Dam in Maphumulo will be closed to the public and motorists in two phases tomorrow (13 June 2023) in order for a heavy-duty vehicle to take a large generator to the dam for installation as back-up power supply.

The first road closure will be between 10h00 and 12h00 and the second in the afternoon at a time that will be determined by when the generator is left at the installation site. During both closures, no pedestrians and motorists will be allowed to use the road. The road will be reopened immediately after the first two-hour closure and after the afternoon one-hour closure. uMngeni-uThukela Water appeals to members of the public and motorists to please co-operate.

The installation of the generator at the iMvutshane Dam is imperative to ensure continuous raw water supply from the dam for treatment at the Maphumulo Water Treatment Plant, even during periods of load shedding or unplanned power supply failures. 

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

Post Graduate Bursaries – Masters and PhD degrees

uMngeni-uThukela Water invites applications for bursaries from applicants who have a four year degree in Science, Engineering and Computer Science who would like to pursue Masters and PhD degrees. uMngeni-uThukela Water will be funding these degrees which will be focused on research in the following SIR-related fields:

  • 21st-century water infrastructure systems and management
  • Advanced materials
  • Advanced sensor platforms
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Blockchain
  • Data Science
  • Drones and autonomous vehicles
  • Internet of Things (loT)
  • New computing technologies
  • Real-time, interoperable water data
  • Remote Sensing (Satellite Imagery)

Interested candidates should forward their applications with full contact details in the following email address: gugu.myeza@umngeni-uthukela.co.za

Megan Van Schalkwyk has been appointed by The Minister of The Department of Water and Sanitation to serve on the WRC Board

Megan Van SchalkwykuMngeni-uThukela Water is proud to announce that Megan Schalkwyk, from the Scientific Services Division, has been appointed by the Minister to take up office as a Board Member of the WRC starting from 1st May 2023.

The Water Research Commission (WRC) is a well-established knowledge enabler in the water sector, overseen by the Department of Water and Sanitation.

When asked about her appointment this is what she had to say “I look forward to serving the Water Sector in this role. Research as well as its uptake will ensure water security in future.  This organisation plays a pivotal role in enabling the Water Sector to overcome its challenges both locally and internationally. I am excited and humbled to be appointed.” Says Mrs Schalkwyk.

The WRC’s mandate is to:

  • Promote the coordination of
  • Establish the priority of,
  • Stimulate funding for,
  • Promote the transfer of and
  • Enhance sector capacity through Water research.

Congratulations Megan on your appointment!