Hazelmere water plant back in operation - Umgeni Water

Umgeni Water spokesperson Shami Harichunder says it was shut down yesterday due to the poor quality of water from the Hazelmere Dam.

"We began producing water again today. We are producing about 25 million litres per day and we expect by Friday that the plant will reach full production capacity meaning it will start producing about 75 million litres per day for supply to eThekwini, Ilembe and Siza water." 

Parts of Durban have been without water following the heavy rains. 

READ: EXPLAINER: Why flood-hit Durban's experiencing mass water shortage

It's also due to two major pipelines from Nagle Dam that have burst following mudslides.

They carry raw water to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant.

The pipe bursts have resulted in not enough water reaching the treatment plant.

The utility says its teams have been struggling to reach the site to assess the damage and do repairs.

Yesterday it said helicopters would be used to try and see the damage that's been caused. 

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Harichunder says a lot work still has to be done.

"The situation I need to remind consumers is still not stabilized. We are still living in trying and difficult times because the infrastructure of Umgeni Water has been severely damaged.

"Durban still remains in a critical situation because of the damage to the two aqueducts that come from Nagle Dam. 

"Umgeni Water is looking at alternates to argument supply to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Plant."