ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CITY RECLAIMS INNER-CITY SPACES IN WEEKLY CLEAN-UP DRIVE
The eThekwini Municipality is reclaiming Durban's inner-city public spaces through weekly, multi-disciplinary operations targeting illegal structures, illegal dumping, and the unlawful use of open spaces.
The most recent operation ran from 19 to 21 August at King Dinuzulu Park. A multi-disciplinary team removed illegal structures, cleared accumulated waste, completed extensive tree trimming to improve visibility, and fumigated the site. Following safety concerns raised by residents and businesses, the park has now been restored for public use.
This follows a similar operation from 12 to 14 August at The Workshop, where teams tackled illegal dumping, flushed drains, trimmed trees, and swept surrounding streets. Together, these interventions reflect the City's commitment to sustained, weekly maintenance rather than once-off clean-ups.
Director of Supply Side and Area Based Operations, Mr Linda Mbonambi, noted that the operations address a recurring issue across the inner city: "Open spaces that fall into disrepair get invaded, and the disruption that follows spills over onto surrounding businesses—in some cases to the point where those businesses cannot trade. Restoring these spaces is not only about cleanliness and safety, but also about protecting economic activity and rebuilding business confidence."
Mbonambi emphasised that the City will not allow public spaces to be misused to the detriment of the community: "We are committed to restoring these spaces to their proper use. This forms part of a broader goal of ensuring the inner city restores a culture of preservation and attracts investment."
The City remains committed to collaborating with precinct users and property owners to coordinate safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure maintenance to protect property values and prevent urban decay.
Operations will continue weekly, expanding to additional public spaces across the inner city to build a clean, safe, liveable, and workable environment.
ENDS
ISSUED BY THE ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY'S MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
