DESPITE numerous intermediate interventions by the eThekwini Municipality to repair the roads, residents in Jacobs and Clairwood are still grappling with giant potholes.

These sentiments were among many that were expressed following the recent full council meeting held at the Durban City Hall on February 28.

Also read: Clairwood residents reject eThekwini’s rezoning plan

The municipality approved its mid-year adjustment budget for the 2024/25 financial year to respond to current service delivery needs, particularly water and sanitation as well as electricity.

Budget allocation for 2024/2025 financial year

Over R100 million has been allocated for roads and stormwater infrastructure while R121 million has been allocated for health and social services.

The maintenance of water infrastructure remains a key priority with the allocation of over R400 million for the operating budget. This aims to ensure a timeous response to water faults and ensuring stock availability at stores such as water meters.

A resident, Vishay Chunder, expressed his concerns about the ongoing poor service delivery in Clairwood, particularly along Sirdar and Pine roads where giant potholes are damaging car tyres.

“The elderly people are struggling with the poor service delivery and have received no assistance. I reported the potholes to the eThekwini Municipality on February 10, however, the roads remain unrepaired. I urge anyone who can help to step in and assist the people of Clairwood,” said Chunder.

Manchester Road in Jacobs is riddled with huge potholes while 253 Jacobs Road is difficult to navigate due to the potholes.

Also read: Furore over proposed changes for Clairwood Logistic Park

This year’s adjustment budget allocated R426 million to electricity, aimed at addressing power faults and improving contract management.

The capital budget includes R378 million allocated for sanitation infrastructure, followed by roads and stormwater infrastructure with an allocation of R197 million, while R121 million has been allocated for health and social services.

This adjustment budget also comprises of R146 million allocated for new projects across various service delivery units.

Public relations officer for the Clairwood Ratepayers and Residents Association, Ravin Brijlal, said Clairwood is a lost and forgotten suburb.

“The suburb is ruined by illegal trucking businesses, which contributed to the decay and damaged all roads in what was once a thriving residential area. Heavy duty trucking has damaged all infrastructure in the area such as sidewalks, stormwater drains, electricity poles, and residents’ boundary walls.

“Every rainy weather brings fear and stress to us,  because we do not know if our properties will get flooded. We pay our rates timeously to the municipality, however our service delivery is appalling,” said Brijlal.

He said Clairwood is now in the spotlight because the municipality wants to rezone it.

“The municipality wants to displace the residents on a new masterplan for the area to transform it into a logistics hub. Clairwood is and always was a residential area. The municipality had approved about R197 million for roads and infrastructure.

“With this budget, the city should start with Clairwood first because Clairwood had been neglected and sidelined for decades,” he added.

How to report potholes:

To report potholes, blocked storm water drains, missing manhole covers, and other engineering faults:

Call 080 131 3013 or email: eservices@durban.gov.za.

WhatsApp: 073 148 3477

Enquires relating to the construction of new roads can be directed to:

Lihle Mkhize

Tel: 031 311 7642

Email: lihle.mkhize@durban.gov.za

Requests for speed humps can be directed to:

Eugene Naidoo

Tel: 031 311 7316

Email: Eugene.Naidoo@durban.gov.za

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