{
  "id": 11145136,
  "title": "eThekwini takes tankers in-house amid scrutiny over soaring water losses",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/ethekwini-takes-tankers-in-house-amid-scrutiny-over-soaring-water",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-01T08:24:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/business/2026-10-01-ethekwini-takes-tankers-in-house-amid-scrutiny-over-soaring-water-losses/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The eThekwini Municipality has ended the outsourcing of water tanker services, after investing around R345 million to establish its own fleet. The municipality aims to bolster its internal capabilities to tackle water shortages, especially in regions with subpar water infrastructure. Currently, they possess 318 operational tankers, with a plan to increase the fleet to 361 by year-end. Mayor Cyril Xaba revealed the decision to bring the service in-house, citing concerns over financial expenditures on outsourcing, as well as alleged misconduct linked to the outsourced service. He emphasized that water tankers would serve as a temporary solution for communities facing water scarcity while the city progresses with infrastructure enhancements and increased water supply. Xaba also mentioned that the expanded fleet would enhance the municipality's delivery of essential services and expedite response times during water shortages. The announcement arrives as the Democratic Alliance has scrutinized the municipality's management of water services, highlighting growing water losses and amplified spending on tankers. DA eThekwini mayoral contender Haniff Hoosen claimed that the city loses approximately 65% of its water by June 2026, up from 48.9% in 2021. He blamed this predicament on the ANC-led administration's failure to maintain and upgrade the municipality's water infrastructure. The DA has also urged the suspension of the municipality's Head of Water and Sanitation, Ednick Msweli, asserting that the department's performance should be properly assessed.",
  "summary": "eThekwini Municipality says it has ended outsourced water-tanker services after investing about R345 million in a municipal fleet, which currently stands at 318 vehicles and is expected to reach 361 by year-end.",
  "key_points": [
    "eThekwini ends outsourcing of water tankers, investing R345 million",
    "Fleet of 318 tankers to grow to 361 by year-end",
    "DA criticizes 65% water loss, calls for Head of Water and Sanitation's suspension"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}