uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1

“A new water conveyance tunnel designed to improve long‑term water security, reliability, and environmental protection.”

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DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS

In 2019, TCTA was mandated to fast-track, fund and implement the uMkhomazi Water Project Phase 1 (uMWP-1) to address growing water shortages in the Mgeni System, the primary water source for around six million people and key economic centres in KwaZulu-Natal. Identified as the preferred long-term solution through extensive studies and planning, the project will help secure future water supply for the region.

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INFRASTRUCTURE COMPONENTS

33.7 km long at 3.5 m diameter transfer tunnel from the proposed Smithfield Dam reservoir to the uMlaza River valley.

Access roads, maintenance/service roads and security fences – permanent and temporary

4.8 km long at 2.6 m diameter raw water pipeline from the outlet portal of the transfer tunnel above to the proposed Umgeni Water’s Water Treatment Works in the uMlaza River valley

Borrow pits, quarries and waste (spoil) disposal sites

Acquisition of land and rights to land

Rehabilitation, biodiversity offsets and compensation.