By Motshwari Mofokeng
Durban – eThekwini Municipality has announced the successful completion of a major phase of its Inner-City Road Rehabilitation Programme, investing approximately R127.9 million to upgrade 13 strategic roads during the 2025/26 financial year.
The programme saw the rehabilitation of about 65 lane-kilometres of road infrastructure, surpassing the Municipality’s annual resurfacing target. Roads upgraded include Umngeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, K E Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road and sections of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4).According to the Municipality, the investment forms part of the broader Inner-City Regeneration Programme aimed at improving mobility, enhancing public safety, stimulating economic growth, and making Durban’s CBD more attractive to residents, businesses and investors.
Acting Deputy Director of Roads and Infrastructure Management, Thanda Zulu, said the investment demonstrates the Municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure.”An investment of nearly R128 million in our inner-city road network reflects the Municipality’s commitment to improving the movement of people and goods while creating an environment that supports economic growth, investment and job creation,” said Zulu.
He added that five of the 13 projects were either fully or partly completed by the Municipality’s internal roads teams, highlighting the growing capacity of municipal staff to deliver quality infrastructure efficiently.The road upgrades also included improvements to stormwater drainage, pedestrian safety measures and long-term maintenance, despite challenges such as heavy traffic, utility relocations and adverse weather.
Residents Welcome the ImprovementsLocal residents and commuters have welcomed the upgrades, saying they have made travelling through the city safer and more convenient.Nomusa Dlamini, a taxi commuter from KwaMashu, said the improved road conditions have reduced travel delays.”The roads are much smoother now, and our trips into town are quicker.
We hope the Municipality continues maintaining them so they don’t fall apart again,” she said.Sipho Mkhize, who operates a clothing shop in Durban’s CBD, believes the improvements will benefit businesses.”Good roads encourage more people to come into the city. Customers are happier when traffic flows better, and that helps businesses like ours,” he said.Motorist Lindiwe Naidoo said safer roads are a welcome development.”Some of these roads were full of potholes before. Driving has become much easier, especially during peak hours. It’s encouraging to see investment in the city’s infrastructure,” she commented.
The Municipality says it will continue investing in strategic infrastructure projects to improve service delivery, strengthen the city’s transport network and support Durban’s long-term economic development.
