eThekwini Reallocates Millions to Address Verulam Water Crisis, Fix oThongathi Crematorium

According to a post-meeting statement from the city, the R2 million will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project, which has faced delays due to funding shortfalls.

The eThekwini Municipality has made urgent financial reallocations to tackle persistent water shortages in the northern parts of Durban and to restore essential cremation services in oThongathi. The city’s Executive Committee (EXCO), during a recent meeting, approved the transfer of R2 million within the 2024/25 water and sanitation capital budget to fast-track the completion of the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project. In a separate decision, an additional R3 million was also allocated for the replacement of a failed furnace at the oThongathi Crematorium.

R2 Million Shifted to Revive Key Pipeline Project

According to a post-meeting statement from the city, the R2 million will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project, which has faced delays due to funding shortfalls. The municipality confirmed that the Hazelmere to Grange pipeline is a critical project that had come to a standstill after exhausting its allocated funds.

“This funding reprioritisation is necessary to resume and complete the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project within the current financial year,” the statement read. “Work on site had halted due to budget constraints, leaving communities in the north — especially Verulam and nearby areas — struggling with ongoing water shortages.”

The city emphasized that these water supply issues have been compounded by frequent flood disasters in recent years, which have placed further strain on infrastructure across KwaZulu-Natal. The decision to boost funding for the Hazelmere project is expected to bring much-needed relief to residents who have faced extended water supply interruptions.

The city said that restoring full capacity to the pipeline system would ensure a more stable water supply and contribute to long-term resilience in a region often hit by extreme weather events.

Pinkney Park Project Deferred Amid Budget Challenges

The Pinkney Park project, from which the R2 million is being redirected, had already encountered delays due to budget constraints identified by the Bid Evaluation Committee. City officials stated that due to limited funds in the approved 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years, it would not have been possible to proceed with the Pinkney Park development as initially scheduled.

However, the municipality assured the public that the project remains in the pipeline and will be revisited once funding becomes available in future budget cycles.

R3 Million Allocated to Restore oThongathi Crematorium

In a separate but equally urgent intervention, EXCO approved an additional R3 million to fast-track the full replacement of the cremator at the oThongathi Crematorium. The facility had ceased operations on 24 January 2025 after years of repeated breakdowns finally led to complete furnace failure.

This latest funding brings the total investment in the crematorium project to R8 million, following an earlier R5 million allocation in the city's adjustment budget.

eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba described the crematorium repair as a top priority for the city due to its vital role in serving the needs of local communities.

“We are pleased that EXCO has responded swiftly to this urgent matter,” said Xaba. “The failure of the furnace has left many families without access to cremation services in the area. This funding will allow us to expedite the process and restore this essential service.”

Local Contractor to Handle Manufacture and Installation

To speed up the process, the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit identified R3 million in internal savings from its capital budget to cover the shortfall. The city will now move ahead with appointing a South African-based contractor to manufacture, install, and commission a brand-new cremation furnace.

As part of the contract, the service provider will also be required to offer 12 months of maintenance under warranty, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

Xaba said the city understands the deep cultural and religious importance of cremation for many families in oThongathi and the broader northern region.

“The urgent reprioritisation of funds demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that all residents have access to essential municipal services,” he said. “We are committed to delivering services that are both dignified and efficient.”

City Vows Ongoing Communication with Residents

The mayor added that the city will continue to provide updates as work progresses on both the water pipeline and the crematorium projects. The goal, according to city leadership, is to complete both initiatives within the current financial year.

“These projects are not just about infrastructure — they’re about restoring dignity and improving the quality of life for our residents,” Xaba concluded.

Both initiatives reflect the municipality’s effort to respond proactively to urgent service delivery challenges, while making strategic decisions to maximize impact within limited budgetary resources.