MAJOR upgrades and repairs are underway throughout Ward 33 following the allocation of the Community Improvement Programme (CIP) budget by the eThekwini Municipality recently.

In the eThekwini Municipality’s 2025/26 draft budget R144m was earmarked for CIP operating costs with an additional capital budget of R590m within the cluster allocated to address community service backlogs. According to eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, the total operating budget for Community and Emergency Services is R7.18b which funds repairs and maintenance of R153m, R303m for safety and security, and R159m for verge maintenance.

“This includes the management of sport fields, community halls, parks, cemeteries, libraries, museums, and swimming pools. The budget also caters for fire and emergencies, Metro Police, disaster management and the provision of health care services. The capital budget for this cluster is R590m which will be used to reduce the community services backlogs,” said Xaba in his speech in March.

Also Read: Councillor cracks down on problem properties in Ward 33

Following the allocation, Ward 33 councillor Fran Kristopher has hit the ground running in clearing some of the backlogs in service delivery for the area. She said after consultation with some of the residents and based on complaints surrounding certain areas, the funds will be used to complete key projects. This includes the fencing of Dunkirk Park which is in the process of being adopted by Umbilo Business Association and Allenby Park following the approval of Allenby Gardens residents adopting the spot.

Kristopher said the tarring of Bulwer Park, the sandy patch, is also on the cards to allow for the park gym community to have a bigger space to work out.

“I feel these improvements will benefit both the business and resident sectors of the ward,” said Kristopher. “The businesses on the lower end of Umbilo raised concerns about the park invasions and the loitering of vagrants which is affecting their businesses daily. The Allenby Park which is zoned a children’s park has had multiple complaints about drinking in public and littering of bottles and cans whereby children were not able to play due to the broken glass and infiltration of drunkards.”

Kristopher was also approached by gym groups over the lack of space to work out. “The space becomes crowded at peak times, so we have looked at the cementing of the sandy patch in Bulwer Park. These developments will be seen through the weeks to come. I have also requested Parks and DSW to clean up the parks which includes grass cutting, tree trimming and cleaning the surrounding streets,” said Kristopher.

She encouraged residents to take ownership of these spaces. If you have any Adopt-A-Spot-Proposals please forward them to email: cllr.frankay@gmail.com.

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