By Charmaine Ndlela
eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba has unveiled the R312 million Eleventh Avenue Interchange in Clermont as the city moves closer to the December launch of the Go!Durban! Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network.
The interchange, situated along the Dumisani Makhaye Highway, forms part of the C3 Corridor connecting Pinetown and Bridge City, which the municipality has identified as the first corridor for the rollout of Go!Durban!
Xaba officially opened the interchange on Thursday, saying the milestone showed the city remained on track to commence operations in December.
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“Today, we are taking another significant step forward. We are officially commencing the rollout of key infrastructure that will support the implementation of Go!Durban!” Xaba said during an interview with the media before the unveiling.
Construction of the interchange began in February 2024 and was completed in June this year.
Xaba said 30% of the project value was allocated to local contractors, creating 69 job opportunities for people from surrounding communities.
The interchange forms part of the R9.7 billion the city has committed to infrastructure for Go!Durban!, an investment Xaba said extended beyond transport infrastructure.
“This investment forms part of the R9.7 billion that the City has committed to infrastructure for Go!Durban! It represents not only an investment in transport infrastructure, but also an investment in the future of our city and its people,” he said.
The new road infrastructure is expected to ease congestion, improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and strengthen connectivity for communities along the corridor.
It also provides a link between Berkshire Downs, Clermont and KwaDabeka, improving accessibility for motorists and pedestrians.
Xaba said the infrastructure rollout followed an announcement by the municipality two weeks ago outlining the roadmap towards the commencement of Go!Durban!
The C3 Corridor will be the starting point of the rollout.
The municipality is also expected to sign contracts in October with vehicle operating companies representing both bus and taxi operators.
“As we continue to deliver the infrastructure required for an integrated public transport system, we are demonstrating through action that the City is ready for the next phase of Go!Durban!” Xaba said.
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He said the latest milestone indicated that the city remained on course for Go!Durban! to go live in December.
“We remain committed to delivering a safer, more efficient and integrated public transport system that responds to the needs of the people of Durban,” he said.
Following the opening of the interchange, Xaba handed over two houses to families in Ward 22 before conducting an oversight inspection of the Kloof Extensions 15 and 21 Housing Project in Clermont.
He later addressed residents during a community engagement session at Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium.
During the engagement, Xaba outlined plans to increase investment in the western region of the city, with a focus on creating jobs and supporting local communities.
“We continue to attract investments into the city because we understand that when the economy grows, families are able to put food on the table,” he said.
The mayor also emphasised the importance of housing delivery, saying adequate housing remained a priority as the municipality works to restore dignity to residents.
The interchange forms part of the city’s broader infrastructure programme aimed at improving mobility and connectivity while supporting the implementation of an integrated public transport system.
