Date: 2025-10-31 12:48:16

EThekwini Municipality Recognised For Engineering Excellence As It Concludes Transport Month On A High

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY RECOGNISED FOR ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AS IT CONCLUDES TRANSPORT MONTH ON A HIGH

EThekwini Municipality is proud to announce a triumphant close to Transport Month, having secured multiple accolades at the 2025 Municipal Engineering Excellence Awards.

The awards were co-hosted by the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA).

The ceremony took place on 28 October during the opening of the IMESA Conference and Exhibition in East London.

The event convened over 700 engineers and various municipal leaders from across the country to share innovations, network, and celebrate engineering excellence.

EThekwini Municipality’s Road Infrastructure Management and Engineering Services directorates received top honours in several categories.

In the Engineering Excellence in Structures and Civils category, the Municipality was recognised for the Shallcross/Blundell Road and Bridge Construction Project and the Hunslet Road Bridge over the Piesang River in Phoenix Industrial Park. 

Both bridges had suffered severe damage during the floods and were rebuilt with enhanced resilience and structural integrity.

In the Community Upliftment and Job Creation category, the Municipality was honoured for the construction of four 25-metre reinforced concrete pedestrian bridges in Amaoti, Inanda. 

These bridges have significantly improved mobility and safety for local residents while creating employment opportunities during construction.

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba congratulated the engineering teams for their dedication and innovation.

“All these projects were born out of the devastation caused by floods. In rebuilding, our engineers embraced a ‘build back better’ approach. The use of integral bridge technology not only reduces future maintenance costs, but also enhances resilience against climate change and extreme weather events,” said Mayor Xaba.

Meanwhile, the Inner-City Roads Rehabilitation Programme continues to make visible progress in revitalising Durban’s Central Business District. 

With an investment of over R65 million, the programme is upgrading key transport arteries to improve mobility, safety, and urban appeal.

Current construction efforts are focused on Sandile Thusi Road, a strategic corridor linking Morningside to the beachfront. 

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes while work is underway, with completion expected within a week.

The programme has already delivered upgrades to Simiso Nkwanyana, Masabalala Yengwa, and Lilian Ngoyi Roads, with upcoming improvements scheduled for David Webster Street and Umgeni Road.

Designed to address deteriorated road surfaces and ageing underground infrastructure, the programme also aims to improve stormwater drainage, reduce flooding risks, alleviate traffic congestion, enhance pedestrian safety, and lower long-term maintenance costs, while boosting overall urban mobility.

Chairperson of the Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Authority Councillor Themba Mvubu, said: “These upgrades are not just about roads, they are about restoring confidence in our city. They support economic growth, improve daily commuting, and enhance the overall experience for residents and visitors alike. By leveraging existing term contracts and internal teams, we are ensuring cost-effective, high-quality delivery,” said Councillor Mvubu.

ENDS 

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.