65% of water supplied to eThekwini is wasted, unpaid for: Department

The Department of Water and Sanitation has expressed concern over the significant amount of clean tap water being lost and unpaid for in the eThekwini Municipality. Deputy Minister Jack Bloom conducted an oversight visit to the municipality and reported that more than 65% of the water supplied to the area is wasted due to leaks.

With over 13,000 leaks in the city, the issue is a major problem that hinders the municipality's ability to fund infrastructure repairs. The backlog of leaks has been exacerbated by the need to renegotiate contracts with plumbers, and residents in some communities have been without tap water for years. Despite the country's water scarcity, people continue to waste water by leaving taps running.

While an agreement has been reached to address the backlog, there is still a significant issue that needs to be resolved.