Alfred Duma Local Municipality has set its sights on achieving city status, with Mayor Zama Sibisi confirming that the municipality is among others in KwaZulu-Natal earmarked for elevation.

Speaking to journalists yesterday (April 15), following the IDP roadshow launch held in council chambers alongside local chiefs, Sibisi detailed the steps required to meet the criteria for this transition.

According to the mayor, Alfred Duma has been grouped with other municipalities such as Ray Nkonyeni in the province-wide initiative. This shift has already impacted upon the municipality’s financial framework, as it now receives funding through the Integrated Urban Development Grant (IUDG).

“This type of budget comes with specific conditions,” Sibisi explained. “As we are on the journey to becoming a city, there are critical infrastructure issues we must address.”

Mayor outlines conditions tied to new funding

A key focus area is the municipality’s electricity infrastructure. Sibisi revealed that R12 million has been allocated to repair and upgrade transformers. He emphasised that delays in restoring power, sometimes taking up to a week after damage caused by incidents such as lightning, are unacceptable for a city.

“When one transformer fails, another must immediately take over,” he said. “This means our substations must be equipped with more than one transformer. These are the kinds of standards we need to meet.”

Road repairs and urban beautification prioritised

In addition to electricity upgrades, the municipality is prioritising road maintenance and urban renewal. Sibisi confirmed that R5.5 million has been set aside to repair potholes, improve pavements and enhance the overall appearance of the town.

“These improvements are essential not only for functionality, but also for creating an environment that reflects the standards of a city,” he added.

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp Channel. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!