EThekwini Municipality has successfully concluded its city-wide 2026/27 Budget and Draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) public consultation programme, following a final engagement session held at the Amanzimtoti Civic Centre yesterday, 11 May.
The final consultation marked an important milestone in the City’s ongoing commitment to participatory governance, providing residents from the south of Durban with a direct platform to engage on the proposed R74.7 billion draft budget for the 2026/27 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework.
The draft budget outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving the City’s vision of becoming “Africa’s most caring and liveable city” by 2030.
Addressing residents from the South Durban Basin, eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding service delivery backlogs and ageing infrastructure.
“We are listening to the community. This budget prioritises the rehabilitation of water and electricity systems to ensure sustainable growth and a better quality of life for our residents,” said Mayor Xaba.
The City has earmarked significant investment towards critical infrastructure upgrades, including:
- Wastewater Treatment: R3.01 billion
- Electricity Infrastructure: R2.45 billion
- Low-Cost Housing: R2.34 billion.
Specific interventions for Ward 93 include R15 million allocated for the Amanzimtoti/Nyathi Road pipe repairs and R3.8 million for the rehabilitation of the Amanzimtoti Bird Park.
To sustain essential services, the Municipality has proposed tariff increases of 5 percent for property rates, 10.5 percent for electricity, 15 percent for domestic water, and 13 percent for sanitation and refuse removal.
Despite these increases, the Municipality remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents.
Residential properties valued at up to R350 000 will remain exempt from rates, while qualifying low-income households will continue receiving free basic services, including 6kl of water and 65kWh of electricity.
Aligned with the District Development Model, the budget also supports more than 10 000 community-based job opportunities through the Zibambele Poverty Alleviation Programme and provides bursaries for graduate engineers to strengthen technical capacity within the City.
The successful conclusion of the consultations reflects the Municipality’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring that communities remain central to shaping the future development of eThekwini.
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