Durban - The eThekwini Municipality said it would be fast-tracking the replacement and repairs of flood-damaged infrastructure and optimise maintenance of existing infrastructure that is causing pollution in the environment, rivers and oceans.
A large number of beaches in Durban have been closed by the municipality due to testing revealing poor water quality.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela said a report tabled at Tuesday’s Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting gave the Water and Sanitation Unit the green light to reprioritise R93.62 million of its 2022/23 capital budget to assist with related projects to optimise spend in the coming financial year.
“The floods in April and the heavy rains in May affected various water and sanitation infrastructure. Various sanitation pump stations and treatment works were left in a very poor state due to storm damage and are non-functional. This led to the environment being polluted.”
Mayisela added that the reprioritisation would assist in fast-tracking these projects and improve service delivery.
“The report is subject to council approval. A full council meeting will take place on Thursday. The city has also received a R184 million Disaster Management Grant that will expedite the repairs of roads, water and sanitation and other damaged and destroyed infrastructure.”
eThekwini Mayor and Chairperson of Exco said the much-needed repairs to damaged infrastructure, especially the sewerage system, was imperative to ensure the contamination of rivers and beaches is stopped.
“It is important to ensure beaches are opened and safe in the run-up to the festive season and school holidays.”