The eThekwini Municipal Council has approved the fast-tracking of critical infrastructure projects aimed at addressing flood damage across the city.
As part of the initiative, the City’s Engineering Directorate will redirect R42.8 million in savings from its capital budget to fund high-priority repair work.
Recent storms have disrupted numerous road infrastructure projects, with contractors unable to meet deadlines—resulting in the underutilisation of the 2024/25 capital budget. The reallocated funds will now be used to accelerate progress on key projects, including the Prospection Road Canal upgrade, the Gravel Road Upgrade Programme, and four major road and bridge repair initiatives.
Among the priority sites is the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4 inbound), where resurfacing work is currently underway.
Repairs are also ongoing on key bridges severely damaged during the 2022 floods, including the Blundell/Shallcross and Coedmore Road bridges, as well as the construction of the Hunslet Road and Bridge.
The City says the fast-tracking of these projects is essential to restoring vital infrastructure and ensuring long-term resilience against future weather-related disasters.