On Friday, the City of eThekwini officially unveiled a new multi-million-rand commuter bus and water services fleet at the Centrum Site.

The City reported that it had invested approximately R300m in 57 commuter buses, 35 water tankers, 18 utility vehicles for plumbers, and 16 vehicles for road and parks maintenance. Of the 57 buses, four have been specially allocated to transport people living with disabilities.

Hlengiwe Mngadi, deputy chairperson of the eThekwini Municipal Disability Forum, expressed her gratitude, saying the Sukuma buses would help restore dignity to people with disabilities in the city.

“We do not need special treatment but equal rights. This is not just transport; it is a statement of dignity,” Mngadi said.

During a Disability Sector Budget Consultation Meeting held earlier this year, the municipality committed to providing buses for people with disabilities. “As a responsive and caring municipality, we made sure that these buses are included in the fleet so that no one is left behind,” said Mayor Cyril Xaba.

Last year, the municipality took a decision to insource water tankering services, and the additional vehicles are aimed at increasing the number of water tankers to more than 350.

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