ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY CONDUCTS ENGAGEMENTS WITH WARD COUNCILLORS AHEAD OF PUBLIC IDP/BUDGET CONSULTATIONS
The eThekwini Municipality has moved decisively to ensure community priorities shape the 2026/27 Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget by initiating intensive engagements with Ward Councillors ahead of public consultations set to begin in mid-April 2026.
These robust engagements with Ward Councillors represent a critical first step in finalising the Draft 2026/27 IDP and Budget, ahead of the upcoming public participation process.
The pre-consultation sessions are currently underway, with two sessions held daily, and are expected to conclude on 14 April 2026.
The purpose of the engagements is to present the draft capital budget allocations per ward, provide Councillors with an opportunity to review proposed projects, identify any discrepancies or omissions, and submit corrections and additional inputs. This process is aimed at ensuring alignment between ward priorities and the proposed capital programme before the commencement of community consultations.
All Directors responsible for capital budgets attend the engagements to provide technical input, clarify the inclusion or exclusion of projects, and respond to wardspecific queries.
During the inaugural session held yesterday, 7 April, Councillors raised several key focus areas, including:
• Alignment of ward-based plans;
• The plight of people living in transit camps;
• Addressing water challenges affecting some communities;
• The condition of road infrastructure;
• The need for increased engagement between the City and Ward Councillors;
• Acceleration of Supply Chain Management processes;
• Fast-tracking of ward-based projects
Further details regarding the community consultation sessions will be communicated in due course through the City’s social media platforms and local media outlets.
Once all consultations have been concluded and public input has been considered, the Draft IDP and Budget will be presented to the Full Council for adoption.
The Draft IDP and Budget are available on the City’s website, www.durban.gov.za, and can also be accessed at all Municipal offices and Sizakala Centres.
Members of the public may submit written comments and inputs via email to comments2021@durban.gov.za
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
