By Nhensani Chauke
A KwaZulu-Natal delegation from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), led by Provincial Whip, Mzamo Billy, engaged constructively on Tuesday with the executive of the eThekwini Local Municipality, including mayor Cyril Xaba and senior city management.
The meeting was a follow-up to the September 2024 NCOP Provincial Week oversight programme aimed at assessing progress on key public infrastructure projects.
As part of its outcomes, the NCOP welcomed the decision to formally invite all stakeholders involved in the Go!Durban project, including taxi operators, to appear before the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure.
The NCOP delegation said that it would write to the committee chairperson, Frederik Badenhorst, to consider the proposal.
“This initiative seeks to break the current impasse over equity disputes and ensure inclusive participation in shaping the future of public transport in eThekwini. The delegation reaffirmed that delays in the project undermine access and mobility for thousands of commuters and urged swift, transparent resolution of the issues,” Billy said in a media statement.
“The R270 million Hammarsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant has recorded R52 million in current expenditure and 35 per cent completion, with officials committing to addressing earlier delays relating to design, procurement and funding cycles.”
“At the Kennedy Road Housing Project, the NCOP delegation welcomed the report that 61 housing units have been built to date.”
To ensure continuity, the NCOP delegation has requested quarterly progress reports on both the Hammarsdale and Kennedy Road projects.
These reports will enable Parliament to track expenditure, monitor challenges, and push for the timely delivery of services to the communities that need them most.
“As the NCOP, we are resolute in our duty to ensure that public infrastructure investments deliver real, measurable benefits to the people. We welcome the city’s cooperation but will continue to hold them accountable until every commitment is honoured,” said Billy.
The NCOP added that it would forward the outcomes of the meeting to the relevant parliamentary structures and closely monitor implementation during upcoming sittings and oversight visits.
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