Road upgrades welcomed, but water crisis must come first: Ratepayers
The municipality recently invested nearly R128 million to rehabilitate 13 key roads, saying the project has improved transport routes, road safety and economic activity.
The eThekwini Ratepayers and Residents Association says while Durban's inner-city road upgrades are welcome, the municipality should be prioritising fixing the city's ongoing water crisis.
The municipality says it has invested nearly R128 million to rehabilitate 13 strategic roads as part of its Inner-City Regeneration Programme.
It says the project has improved key transport routes, enhanced road safety and is already benefiting businesses, commuters and residents.
Infrastructure priorities debated
But Ratepayers and Residents Association’s president Ish Prahladh says many communities are still going for days without water.
“The very important part of getting the city running is our water infrastructure, which people are suffering. I understand they are busy doing that as well, but there hasn't been more effort into that. Yes, we're happy with the roads being resurfaced, et cetera.
“You're spending R127 million, but what about the people that have no water for months? People are suffering without water. That infrastructure is gone. They are not putting emphasis on the important thing that's water.”
Meanwhile, the municipality says it is addressing long-standing water supply challenges through major infrastructure projects.
These include the 24-kilometre Southern Aqueduct upgrade, aimed at replacing ageing bulk water pipelines to improve water security for communities in Chatsworth, Umlazi, Shallcross and other parts of southern Durban.
It also points to the uMkhomazi Water Scheme, which is expected to augment water supply to Durban South, including Isipingo, Umbogintwini, Umgababa and Craigieburn, once commissioned.
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