A Durban resident had to place a hollow block brick on a water meter to prevent the water from spraying onto their home. The eThekwini Municipality is facing a contracted plumber crisis.
The eThekwini Municipality recorded 65% Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses for June 2026, and is trying to deal with 12,000 reported leaks.
The municipality’s Water and Sanitation (EWS) Directorate is expected to meet former contracted plumbers on Wednesday (22 July) in the hope that they resolve several issues. Democratic Alliance councillor and Trading Services Committee Whip Alan Peterson reported that contracted plumbers blocked access to the EWS Pinetown Depot on Tuesday over unpaid invoices and new procurement processes.
Samantha Windvogel, a DA ward 65 councillor, said the annual average NRW is 55%. Both figures remain significantly above the national benchmark and are a matter of grave concern.
“Despite recommendations that the Contractor-Initiated Procurement (CIP) process be implemented to address the shortage of plumbers, no formal resolution has yet been adopted. This has left the department without the capacity needed to respond effectively to the growing crisis. Residents continue to ask councillors whether they may repair leaks themselves. Yet, no formal communication has been issued by the municipality advising residents on the status of outstanding leaks or providing guidance on this matter,” Windvogel said.
