Residents may soon be able to follow KwaDukuza council meetings from home following a R12-million upgrade that brings live-streaming to the chamber.

The newly refurbished council chamber was officially opened last Wednesday, offering more space, improved security and modern technology.

The building has been expanded by about 40%, with seating capacity more than doubling from 60 to 127.

The upgrade includes two new caucus rooms, a kitchen, ablution facilities, a dedicated security area and improved access for people with disabilities.

The expansion was prompted by the municipality’s growth in both population and ward boundaries. KwaDukuza now has 59 councillors, up from 57 in the previous term and meetings had been temporarily moved to the KwaDukuza Town Hall because of space constraints.

Security was also strengthened following an incident in which stray bullets from a shooting outside struck the chamber during a meeting.

Bullet-resistant glass has been installed, while the main entrance was relocated and perimeter fencing added.

The building also has two 10 000-litre water tanks and a solar backup system comprising 36 panels, a 25kW inverter and 30kWh battery system.

A new digital audio-visual system allows meetings to be live-streamed and provides electronic voting, interpretation, digital recording and content sharing.

KwaDukuza mayor Siduduzo Gumede said the refurbishment was an important milestone for the growing municipality.

The project was completed in just under a year, with construction starting on October 6 last year.

“I am proud that today we have worked together to produce a state-of-the-art facility that is changing the face of our municipality and bringing dignity to the institution of local government,” he said.

Gumede urged councillors to protect the facility and ensure it remains a place where council business is conducted with integrity and respect.