By Levy Masiteng
eThekwini Municipality has earmarked millions of rand for housing developments, road upgrades, bridge construction and water infrastructure projects under its proposed R74.7 billion 2026/27 Budget and Integrated Development Plan (IDP), tabled before traditional leaders on Wednesday.
During an engagement with Amakhosi, the municipality announced that R40 million had been allocated to the Lower Molweni road and bridge construction project in Ward 9, one of the largest infrastructure projects planned for areas under traditional authority.
Other allocations include R6.6 million for the upgrade of two roads in KwaXimba, Ward 1, and R1.7 million for the KwaXimba Phase 2 housing project.
In Ward 2, the KwaNgcolosi Phase 2 housing development, which will provide 600 homes, received R2.6 million, while R4.5 million was allocated for the upgrading of gravel roads to blacktop roads.
The municipality also set aside R1 million and R3 million respectively for two Emalangeni Phase 2 housing projects in Ward 7.
A further R4 million was allocated for a road upgrade project in Umnini, Ward 99, and R4 million for a water pipeline upgrade in Mfume, Ward 100.
“The Municipality is focused on investing in infrastructure that responds directly to the needs of communities,” said eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba.
Traditional leaders welcomed the proposed developments and praised the municipality for continuing to engage Amakhosi on issues affecting their communities.
However, they urged the municipality to accelerate water provision projects to address persistent shortages affecting residents.
“Through this Draft Budget and IDP, we are prioritising sustainable development that will improve access to basic services and stimulate economic growth in all regions of eThekwini,” Xaba said.
