By Levy Masiteng
The eThekwini Municipality says it spent about R127.9 million rehabilitating 13 strategic roads in and around Durban’s inner city during the 2025/26 financial year.
The programme formed part of the municipality’s efforts to improve the city’s transport network and support economic activity.
The roads included Umgeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, K E Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road and sections of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway, also known as the M4 Southern Freeway.
“Out of the 13 roads rehabilitated during the 2025/26 financial year, four projects were completed entirely by municipal teams, while another project was delivered through a combination of internal and contracted resources,” said Acting Director of the Road Infrastructure Management Directorate Thanda Zulu.
According to the municipality, approximately 65 lane-kilometres of road infrastructure were resurfaced as part of the programme.
“Thousands of motorists, commuters, public transport operators and businesses that rely on these routes daily are expected to benefit from smoother roads, improved traffic flow, upgraded stormwater drainage systems, safer pedestrian facilities and reduced long-term maintenance costs,” the municipality said.
The city thanked engineers, project managers, technical teams and contractors for completing the projects despite challenges including traffic congestion, utility relocations, high pedestrian volumes and adverse weather conditions.
Several of the rehabilitated roads form important parts of Durban’s transport network.
Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, formerly West Street, is one of the city’s main commercial streets and serves businesses, shops and government offices in the central business district.
K E Masinga Road provides a key connection between the city centre, beachfront precinct and surrounding areas, while Umgeni Road links the CBD with industrial areas, the N2 and Durban’s northern suburbs.
Masabalala Yengwa Avenue forms a major north-south corridor linking the CBD and Durban Station with Stamford Hill and the city’s sports precinct.
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway, or M4 Southern Freeway, connects central Durban with areas south of the CBD.
Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way and Smiso Nkwanyana Road serve different sections of the CBD and surrounding commercial and transport precincts.
Municipal officials said the rehabilitation work was expected to improve daily travel and strengthen Durban’s transport infrastructure.
“An investment of nearly R128 million in our inner-city road network reflects the Municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving the movement of people and goods, and creating an environment that supports economic growth, investment, and job creation,” said Zulu.
INSIDE METROS
