THE eThekwini United Ratepayers’, Business, and Civics Organisation (Eurbco) convened a virtual assembly to confront the dire infrastructure challenges afflicting the eThekwini Municipality.

Deputy chairperson of the Bluff Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (BRRA), Allison Schoeman, underscored BRRA’s pivotal role as a founding member under the Eurbco umbrella.

Also read: Ratepayers’ associations weigh in on NHI Bill rejected

The primary aim of a meeting was to lay the groundwork for a concerted effort to tackle the pressing infrastructure woes besieging eThekwini.

The infrastructure landscape in eThekwini, notably the water and sewerage systems, grapples with formidable hurdles. Schoeman highlighted critical issues, such as water system malfunctions and sewerage system surges, elucidating the severity of the predicament.

Schoeman expounded that the inaugural stages of the #TeamRescueEthekwini initiative will furnish a fundamental framework, potentially broadening its purview to address supplementary infrastructure requisites, encompassing electrical grids and thoroughfares, contingent upon the outcomes and insights gleaned from the water and sewer ventures.

Also read: Ratepayers’ associations want clarity on Integrated Development Programme, Draft Budget

Eurbco explained the intentions of the #TeamRescueEthekwini endeavour in its declaration. In a statement, Eurbco said, “The project constitutes a pinpointed endeavour geared towards rejuvenating pivotal infrastructure within the eThekwini Municipality, with an initial emphasis on water and sewer systems. This undertaking prioritises these spheres due to their direct ramifications on public health and day-to-day living conditions. Subsequent to efficacious interventions and evaluations in these domains, the project may extend to ameliorate other infrastructure exigencies, including electrical systems and thoroughfare networks, contingent upon resource availability and preliminary triumph.”

Anticipated outcomes from the meeting encompassed comprehensive infrastructure evaluations, strategic alliances, fiscal reallocation and financing, and sustainable solution implementation, as well as community involvement and transparency.

Expected outcomes from the meeting encompassed:
• Meticulous scrutiny through comprehensive infrastructure assessments.
• Orchestrated synergy which fosters strategic collaboration among stakeholders.
• Realignment of financial resources through astute budget reallocation and securing funding.
• Execution of ecologically sound and enduring solutions for sustainability.
• Active involvement of the community coupled with a commitment to transparency.

Eurbco also set out a structured timeline post-meeting:
• Culmination of rigorous water and sewer evaluations: December 2024
• Engagements for fiscal reallocation and funding negotiations: January 2025
• Initiation of water and sewer solutions implementation: February 2025
• Ongoing evaluation and prospective extension to diverse infrastructure domains – from July 2025 onwards.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram.