THE eThekwini Municipality has unveiled a R581m capital injection to fast-track essential infrastructure and service delivery projects across the city for the 2025/26 financial year.

The executive committee approved reprioritisation of the capital budget to focus on critical areas, including water security, electricity management, housing, flood damage repairs, and waste collection. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the reprioritisation of funds does not mean the abandonment of the original projects.

“The administration is proactively responding to the needs of residents through strategic budgeting,” said Xaba. “This is not about cutting projects, it is about redirecting available resources toward areas of immediate and critical need to build resilient infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and improve the quality of life across the municipality.”

The Water and Sanitation Services Directorate receives the largest allocation of R314.205m, which will fund the repair, maintenance, and upgrading of water infrastructure. The Energy Management Directorate has been allocated R122.241m to accelerate the rollout of smart meters.

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“I am pleased to report that a total of 14 000 electricity meters have been received for installation to various properties within the municipality,” said Xaba. “We are expecting additional meters during the financial year so that we can adequately address critical service challenges and improve revenue collection.”

In response to recent extreme weather events, the Engineering Services Directorate will receive R62m to repair flood-damaged infrastructure and restore vital services in affected areas. The Human Settlements Directorate will benefit from an allocation of R60m to continue the eradication of Transitional Residential Units (TRUs). The goal is to replace temporary housing structures with safer, more permanent homes for vulnerable communities.

To boost city cleanliness and waste management efficiency, the Waste Management Directorate has been granted R23.139m. The funds will go toward procuring fleet vehicles and advanced cleaning equipment to improve waste collection and street cleaning operations.

Xaba emphasised that the reprioritisation reflects the administration’s commitment to responsive governance and efficient use of funds.  “We are focused on ensuring every rand is spent responsibly and effectively to deliver tangible improvements for our communities before the end of the financial year,” said Xaba.

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