Calls were made for urgent attention to the growing concern of illegal settlements, electricity reliability, the implementation of by-laws in the build-up to the festive season and better maintenance of beach facilities – all at the mayoral imbizo at Umhlali Preparatory last Tuesday.
Presiding over the poorly attended meeting, economic development and planning executive director, Sikhumbuzo Hlongwane gave insight into progress made since the implementation of 2022/23 integrated development plan (IDP) and budget, as well as how the municipality was responding to the aftermath of the April and May floods.
According to Hlongwane, there were several issues raised by the municipality’s insurance provider on claims submitted in the flood aftermath. The municipality was still tackling this as they believed the claims to be legitimate.
The municipality’s damages from the floods amounted to R1 431 093 280. Cooperative governance approved funding to the value of R109 043 000 for 30 projects within KwaDukuza, which include bridges, roads and other projects.
Through budget reprioritisation, municipal infrastructure grants and council funding, the budget toward rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure totaled R153 246 424.
By 15 December, 14 of the projects were expected to be complete with the remaining 16 others having started.
Among other projects, R6.325-million had been allocated for public lighting refurbishment throughout wards six, 22 and 30. In ward six, 23 streetlights had been refurbished with 17 in progress.
Ward 22 saw 44 complete, and 38 in progress, and ward 30 had 20 complete and 20 remaining.
Electrical network upgrades for wards four, six, 21, 22 and 30 were at tender evaluation stage and budgeted for R5.474-million, with a further upgrades planned for Simbithi, Zimbali and wards four, six, 21, 22 and 30 amounting to R18.210-million – also at tender stage.
Challenges on electrical infrastructure were also raised, despite progress with some projects. Vandalism and theft continue to be problematic with electrical infrastructure and KwaDukuza municipality has responded by placing 24/7 manned security at critical areas, while also working with the police and installing other electronic security measures.
Dolphin Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman, Deon Viljoen, who raised most of the concerns during the meeting, said that while he was pleased with progress made to date on several projects, he was worried about whether maintenance costs were included in the budget.
Hlongwane noted that 8% of a budget must ideally go toward maintenance and assured that maintenance was budgeted for. Following recent go-slows by electrical department staff, Hlongwane said they were taking a firmer stance with staff to ensure the work was done timeously and efficiently.
For the full list of the 30 projects visit kwadukuza.gov.za.
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