Damage to eThekwini's infrastructure stands at R3.8 bn - Kaunda

Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda gave the update while visiting Molweni on Friday, which is one of the affected areas.

He says parts of Durban were plunged into darkness when several power stations were damaged.

"We are pleased to report today that all our power stations are now in good working condition and electricity services have been fully restored in communities except in areas where there are challenges of cable theft."

Many residents have also been battling without running water.

Kaunda says progress has been made in restoring supply.

"In the inner west, water supply has improved from 30% to 80%. In the outer west region, it has improved from 45% to 70%. The central region from 45% to 72%. In the southern region, we have improved from 15% to 75%. After we have completed repairs on the Umlazi canal pipeline and Prince Mshiyeni Hospital pipeline."

One of the communities whose taps have been dry is Tongaat after their water treatment plant was damaged.

Kaunda says water should start running through the taps in Tongaat from next week, for at least four hours a day.

"The water treatment plant in Tongaat will take approximately five to six months to repair and an estimated cost of R30 million. We sat with our engineering teams; we said to them we want you to short circuit that period because it is difficult to live without water."  

Meanwhile, Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu says they are waiting for funds to be allocated for the continuation of work on restoring water supply to parts of KZN. 

"Together with municipalities, we completed the costing of the damages and submitted the application to the Department of Cooperative Governance disaster funding. Once funding is allocated, we will continue to be involved in the planning and monitoring of the implementation of reconstruction projects."  

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