EThekwini Municipality will fast-track the replacement and repairs of flood damaged infrastructure and will optimise maintenance of existing infrastructure that is currently causing pollution to the environment and rivers and oceans.

 

A report tabled at today’s Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting gave the Water and Sanitation Unit the green light to reprioritise R93.62 million of their 2022/23 capital budget to assist with related projects to optimise spend in the coming financial year.

 

The floods in April and the heavy rains in May affected various water and sanitation infrastructure. Various sanitation pump stations and treatment works were left in a very poor state due to storm damage and are non-functional. This led to the environment being polluted.

 

The reprioritisation will assist in fast-tracking these projects and will improve service delivery. The report is subject to Council approval. A Full Council meeting will take place on Thursday, 29 September.

 

The City has also received a R184 million Disaster Management Grant that will expedite the repairs of roads, water and sanitation and other damaged and destroyed infrastructure.

 

Chairperson of EXCO eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the much-needed repairs to damaged infrastructure, especially the sewerage system, is imperative to ensure the contamination of rivers and beaches is stopped. He said it is important to ensure beaches are opened and safe in the run up to the festive season and school holidays.

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit. For media enquiries contact the Municipality’s Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 060 966 4220