4.2.1 The DCS' overview of the Kwazulu Natal (KZN) region listed a number of building and maintenance activities that were underway. All the centres suffered extreme plumbing- related challenges which were attributed to the old and rusted pipes that could be temporarily mended, but not repaired. The DCS stated that the water reticulation system had been problematic since the centre was built, and that the only lasting solution would be to replace it in its entirety. Though the area's eight artisans tended to the centres' needs, and no outside contractors were being used, temporary interventions remained costly. Members were also sensitised to the impact overcrowding had on infrastructure: the centre was built to house almost three times fewer offenders than currently incarcerated there. This placed enormous strain on the water supply and the plumbing system. The DCS confirmed that three planned maintenance projects had been undertaken in recent years, and that a fourth, aimed at upgrading the centres, was planned for November 2011.