Part of the Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Cluster’s plans is to optimise in the delivery of large infrastructure investments within the northern priority investment corridor, including Go!Durban, Phoenix Wastewater Treatment Works, Ottawa Electricity Station and the Blackburn Water Reservoir.
Speaking during the Conversations with Executives on 22 September, a series of engagements where deputy city managers from the City have been unpacking programmes aimed at improving the lives of eThekwini residents, Deputy City Manager for Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Beryl Khanyile said this will guide numerous changes in current development frameworks.
In her talk, Khanyile outlined programmes that her cluster is currently implementing to ensure that this objective is achieved. Among the programmes that she outlined were community infrastructure programmes, roads and storm-water infrastructure maintenance programmes, integrated public transport network, gravel to blacktop surface and title deed restoration, which she emphasised do not only benefit communities through improved infrastructure but also serve as sources of income.
“Another significant programme of spatial transformation is the social and gap housing roll out of which is a public investment programme that can be leveraged to stimulate and support urban regeneration through provision of middle-income housing and affordable rentals,” she explained.
She also highlighted the City’s areas of success including the Cornubia Integrated Development where 451 title deeds have been handed over, the sod turning at Solomon Mahlangu
School which the City is designing and building on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, the unveiling of the Cornubia Boulevard and the recent opening of the M4 Ruth First Highway which had collapsed due to floods in 2019.
“As a cluster, we are also looking at various plans for medium term, which among others, include reducing our service delivery backlogs which is currently substantial, review and include accountability metrics to professional mentorship programmes that we are currently running,” said Khanyile.
She said the objective of the programme is to influence the City Transformation Agenda and reposition the ability for architectural services to develop a proactive approach in maintaining Council building infrastructure and development of new buildings.
Khanyile urged all Municipal officials to embrace their roles and position eThekwini Municipality as a caring City, especially towards vulnerable groups who urgently need quality infrastructure.
EThekwini Municipality News
Darul Ihsan Media Desk