KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport Siboniso Duma has announced a total budget allocation of R9.2 billion for transport infrastructure in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
Of this amount, over R3.8 billion will fund new infrastructural projects, while more than R4.3 billion is earmarked for maintaining the existing road network.
An additional R102 million will support infrastructure planning and design, with R927 million allocated to various transport infrastructure support programs.
Duma delivered this budget proposal during the 2025/2026 budget vote session at the KZN Legislature in Pietermaritzburg.
“As the Department of Transport, we are responsible for the over 34,000 kilometres of provincial road networks, of which over 8700 kilometres are paved,” said Duma.
“This requires us to continue striking a delicate balance between constructing new projects and maintaining existing infrastructure, especially with the continuous flooding that has increased our repair and rehabilitation costs, thus diverting funds from planned projects.”
He added that the Department of Transport also plans to leverage established panels for procuring services from contractors and consultants.
“This approach aims to streamline procurement processes and ensure efficient delivery of road infrastructure projects,” said Duma.
“Given the significant maintenance needs of the paved network, the department is prioritising resource acquisition to address infrastructure backlogs effectively.”
Duma also outlined plans to explore innovative funding mechanisms, including accessing the Presidential Infrastructure Fund for blended financing solutions aimed at transforming KZN’s infrastructure landscape.
“We are also developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure and want to tap into the Presidential Infrastructure Fund to transform our infrastructure through blended financing solutions,” Duma said.
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