Urgent: Input Needed on Umdoni South Water Pipeline Project Impacting Bazley

The Bazley Ratepayers Association (BRA) is calling on residents to provide feedback on the Umdoni South Bulk Water Augmentation project. Proposed by Ugu, this project aims to improve water supply in the greater Umdoni area but poses significant disruption and destruction risks to Bazley.

Last year, BRA registered as an Interested and Affected Party (IAP) and submitted initial comments. Homeowners were also encouraged to register as IAPs. Now, the Environmental Consultant, Enviropro, has released the Draft Basic Assessment Report. Residents can access the full report and annexures here.

The deadline for submitting comments is June 22, 2024.

While the project’s objective of enhancing water supply reliability is commendable, the proposed pipeline route through Bazley involves extensive construction. This route includes:

• Crossing from Sezela over the Ndesingane river alongside the railway
• Following Ndasingane road to the reservoir on the hill
• Descending Reservoir Rd to Ridge Rd
• Continuing along Ridge Rd to Lagoon Dr
• Passing in front of MacNicols and crossing the Ifafa river to Ifafa

This configuration will result in extensive bush destruction, widespread town disruptions, and damage to gardens, verges, and driveways. A map of the proposed pipeline route is available here.

The BRA is actively addressing these concerns but lacks specific expertise in such projects. They welcome assistance from any residents with relevant knowledge.

It’s crucial for the Bazley community to work together to minimize the project’s impact and preserve the town’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Residents are urged to review the report and submit their comments before the deadline.