eThekwini water losses total R2bn annually: Mchunu
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says the water revenue losses recorded by eThekwini Municipality are worrisome.
The district uses 52% of all water supplied to the KwaZulu-Natal province and 70% of it supplied by uMngeni-uThukela Water.
According to stats, the city consumes 281 litres of water per capita per day compared to the country's average of 217 litres per capita per day.
READ: KZN water woes 'violation of rights' - SAHRC
Speaking at the Durban ICC on Tuesday, Mchunu said the losses could be attributed to the city's poor maintenance of infrastructure, as well as aging infrastructure.
"eThekwini's non-revenue water stands at 58.2%, 45% of it is lost through direct leaks from its various transmission pipes pumping and storage systems.
"This amounts to a revenue loss of around R2 billion per annum. eThekwini has been experiencing intermittent water, water supply challenges and as a tourist destination this negatively impacts on the country's economic progress."
