Toyota’s deep roots drive infrastructure investment

TOYOTA SA Motors (TSAM) has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to investing in Prospecton, following a high-level meeting with eThekwini Municipality leadership.

Also read: Toyota’s Durban plant undertakes to be carbon-neutral by 2035

The engagement on August 8, led by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba and TSAM president and CEO, Andrew Kirby, focused on strengthening collaboration on strategic infrastructure and economic development. Key discussions centred on critical enablers for industrial growth, including road upgrades, stable electricity supply, and improvements to water and sanitation infrastructure in the Prospecton precinct, home to TSAM’s manufacturing operations.

Xaba was accompanied by city manager Musa Mbhele, Economic Development chairperson Thembo Ntuli, Trading Services chairperson Mduduzi Nkosi, and executive committee member André Beetge.

To bolster industrial activity in Prospecton, the municipality said it is investing more than R450m in road infrastructure projects, currently at various stages of implementation. A major water infrastructure upgrade is also underway, replacing a 375mm asbestos cement pipeline with a new 400mm steel pipeline to improve water supply in the area. In addition, Xaba said over R120m has been allocated for the repair and upgrade of sewer networks and pump stations damaged by floods.

He described TSAM as one of eThekwini’s most important investors, with a partnership spanning over five decades.

Also read: eThekwini gets green light to generate its own power

“We are not taking this relationship lightly. That’s why we are committed to accelerating current infrastructure projects by shortening lead times for construction and repair work,” said Xaba.

He added that the city’s dedicated support team, led by the city manager, will continue to work closely with TSAM to address infrastructure challenges and provide regular progress updates.

Kirby reaffirmed the company’s deep roots in Durban.

“Even after the catastrophic floods, it was never a consideration to leave Durban. The strength of our relationship with the City has always been a key factor,” said Kirby.

TSAM contributes R18b in national taxes annually, with the municipality collecting over R6m in rates from the company each year.

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