RESIDENTS in the Chinatown and Navy areas in Merebank have welcomed the second phase of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).

As part of the ongoing public consultation processes for Ward 75 rezoning in Merebank, the MDB officials met with residents to give further explanation on due processes to be followed ahead of the board’s final decision that will be taken next year.

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The recent meeting was triggered by the residents’ call to be re-incorporated into Ward 68 – a ward they previously belonged to before they were relocated to Ward 75. The residents raised concerns about the poor governance and service delivery which, according to them, move at a snail’s pace.

Progress made with public consultations

Chairperson of the Chinatown and Navy Civic Association Navin Singh was ecstatic about the progress made thus far with the public consultations ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

“It was a fruitful meeting. We had an opportunity to ask questions about the demarcation processes. The process is still in its early stages as we are in the second phase which includes public participation.

“The residents of the Chinatown and Navy areas want to be re-incorporated into Ward 68 because we are battling to access the basic services. Our police station is in Ward 75 in Lamontville. We are not familiar with the Lamontville area, and this put a strain on us as we have to travel long distances to access public services,” said Singh.

Municipal Demarcation Board’s processes to follow

Provincial coordinator Mthobisi Manzini said that once the MDB finalise the draft of the demarcation, the board will have consultations with the public where they will be able to guide the board on how they want their wards to be configured. The MDB will allow a period of objections should residents still have concerns.

The board will continue to conduct public consultations on the demarcation processes until February next year. Following this, a final draft will be presented to the KZN Demarcation Board in March next year for review.

Once the board has reviewed the proposal, it will engage with residents for public consultations from April to June next year.

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