eThekwini to 'fast-track' repairs to damaged infrastructure
Durbanites have been kicking up a stink about the sewerage problem in the city and now eThekwini Municipality says it's fast-tracking the replacement of and repairs to flood-damaged infrastructure.
The damage to some of the infrastructure has seen the water quality in rivers and at beaches deteriorating.
The Water and Sanitation Unit has been given the go-ahead to reprioritise R93 million of its budget for this year for the work.
A report tabled during Tuesday's EXCO meeting gave the green light.
The city says it will also optimise maintenance of existing infrastructure that is currently causing pollution to rivers and in the ocean.
READ: Municipalities must provide sustainable services – Dlamini-Zuma
There have been several incidents of contamination in rivers. Last week dead fish was found on the banks of the Umgeni River by members of a conservation group.
A number of beaches in eThekwini also remain closed due to high levels of E. coli.
The municipality says a further R184 million Disaster Management Grant has been received to expedite repairs.
The next step now is for the report to get full council approval.
A meeting is set for Thursday.
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