By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Over 1000 residents attended eThekwini Municipality’s first regional consultation on its draft 2026/27 budget and development plan on Monday.
The meeting, held at Mpumalanga Stadium, formed part of the metro’s programme to engage communities on development priorities and service delivery planning, the city said.
eThekwini has allocated over R522 million to the Outer West Region, covering Wards 1 to 10, 91 and 103, as part of its R74.7 billion 2026/27 budget process.
“Key projects highlighted for the area include the construction of road infrastructure, housing development, upgrades to wastewater treatment works, and the provision of community facilities such as libraries and sports fields,” the municipality said.
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eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba, led the engagement. Xaba said interventions aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region included the R15 billion Shongweni Development and the R10 billion Cato Ridge Logistics Park.
In Shongweni, Westown Square, which opened in March 2025, is the first phase of the R15 billion Shongweni development. The mixed-use project is expected to unfold over 10 to 15 years and could create about 15,000 construction jobs and 8,500 permanent jobs, according to the city.
In Cato Ridge, the R10 billion logistics park forms part of eThekwini’s plan to develop an inland freight and dry port hub. The development includes the Insimbi Ridge and dry port components. It is intended to help ease pressure on Durban harbour and the N3 corridor, and could create about 5,000 jobs during construction and 10,000 once complete.
Said Xaba at the meeting: “This is not a box-ticking exercise for us. We are here because we want to demonstrate that we are a city at work. These engagements are important, as your input will be considered in finalising the budget.”
Residents were also briefed on the city’s eight-point IDP, which guides budget allocation and service delivery priorities.
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The municipality said officials also presented the draft Spatial Development Framework, noting that the region had been identified as a key investment priority area.
Community members raised concerns, including water and electricity outages, housing shortages, youth skills development, road conditions, water infrastructure challenges, and employment opportunities.
The municipality encouraged members of the public to submit comments via email and said the draft IDP and Budget documents are available on the city website.
