The Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has welcomed the significant progress being made on several strategic infrastructure, transport and road rehabilitation projects under Workstream 05, reaffirming government’s commitment to rebuilding resilient infrastructure and strengthening service delivery across the eThekwini Metro.
A progress report presented during the monthly meeting of Workstream 05, held on Thursday, 7 May, showed notable achievements across a number of flagship projects, particularly within the City-Wide Road Upgrading and Inner-City Rejuvenation Programmes.
These interventions are already contributing to improved road safety, enhanced mobility, increased economic activity, and renewed public confidence in Durban’s transport network.
Major upgrades along Umgeni Road, Sandile Thusi Road, Smiso Nkwanyana Road, Lilian Ngoyi Road and several other strategic routes have been successfully completed, while additional projects remain on schedule for completion within the current financial year.
Encouraging progress has also been recorded in flood damage remediation and canal revitalisation initiatives.
The Umlaas Canal Revitalisation Project has been completed ahead of its original contractual deadline, delivering vital flood mitigation benefits, while also creating employment opportunities, empowering local subcontractors, and promoting environmental sustainability through responsible construction practices.
The PeWG further welcomed developments in SANRAL-led Community Development Projects linked to the N2 and N3 corridors.
Several pedestrian bridge projects, road rehabilitation initiatives and ward-based infrastructure interventions are currently under construction or progressing through procurement processes.
These projects demonstrate the value of coordinated collaboration between national, provincial and municipal spheres of government in advancing inclusive infrastructure development.
In the public transport sector, structured engagements continue under the Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) programme.
This includes ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders and preparations for revised operational plans aligned with national funding frameworks.
Progress has also been made in formalising governance arrangements for the Oceans Umhlanga Public Transport Facility, supporting a more integrated and sustainable transport system within the northern development corridor.
While certain projects remain subject to funding approvals and regulatory processes, Workstream 05 has continued to maintain momentum through active intergovernmental cooperation, technical coordination and forward planning.
Alternative funding models, blended finance mechanisms and phased implementation approaches are also being explored to accelerate delivery and unlock further infrastructure investment opportunities.
The Presidential eThekwini Working Group commends all implementing agencies, engineers, contractors, professionals and community stakeholders for their continued dedication and collective efforts in advancing these projects.
Mayor Xaba Meets March And March Leadership