ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DECISIONS
EThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee (EXCO) held its ordinary meeting today, 19 May.
Several resolutions were adopted to accelerate implementation and respond to current service delivery matters in the Municipality.
These reports will proceed to Full Council for further deliberation and approval.
CITY CONTINUES IMPLEMENTING INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY ACROSS AFFECTED AREAS
EThekwini Municipality continues to implement a range of interventions aimed at improving water supply to areas experiencing intermittent water interruptions across the City.
The Water and Sanitation Directorate provided an update during the EXCO meeting on the status of water supply systems and ongoing measures being undertaken to stabilise supply in affected communities.
The Municipality is currently experiencing increased pressure on water systems due to demand outpacing available supply.
This has been further impacted by reduced bulk water volumes supplied by uMngeni-uThukela Water as part of broader water curtailment measures implemented by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
To manage available supply and maintain reservoir storage levels, rotational water supply management is currently being implemented in parts of the Wiggins, Mbumbulu, Southern Aqueduct, Pinetown South, Northern Aqueduct and oThongathi systems.
The City is also progressing several infrastructure interventions aimed at improving long-term water security and network capacity in affected areas.
These include the construction of bulk water pipelines and feasibility studies for package treatment plants in identified communities.
Among the projects underway are the construction of a new steel inlet main in Wards 7 and 100, the Ufudu to Inwabi Bulk Line Project, and feasibility investigations for a package treatment plant and associated bulk water infrastructure in Ward 100.
The Municipality also continues to address network challenges that place strain on the water system, including illegal connections and increased consumption in some areas originally designed for communal standpipe supply.
The City remains committed to exploring both short- and long-term solutions to improve water supply while broader regional infrastructure projects, including the construction of the uMkhomazi Dam, are being advanced.
CITY ENTERS A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT FOR TRAFFIC SIGNALS
EXCO approved a recommendation granting authority to the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport (KZN DoT) for the installation and maintenance of traffic signals on provincial roads within the Municipality.
The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between the Municipality and KZN DoT in managing traffic signal infrastructure at intersections where provincial and municipal roads meet.
The MOA will streamline processes by eliminating the need for separate agreements for each individual traffic signal installation within the municipal boundary.
In terms of the proposed arrangement, the KZN DoT will contribute towards the capital costs of traffic signal installations based on the number of provincial road approaches at intersections.
The KZN DoT will also contribute towards maintenance costs as and when required.
The agreement is expected to enhance service delivery, improve traffic management coordination, and contribute positively towards the Municipality’s financial resources through shared infrastructure investment.
EXCO NOTES AMENDMENT TO TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SERVICES CONTRACT
EXCO noted an amendment to the existing Metro Police traffic enforcement services contract to incorporate additional back-office functionality and related support services.
The amendment forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and modernise the Municipality’s traffic infringement processing systems and improve operational efficiency within the Metro Police Directorate.
The intention to amend the contract was publicly advertised in accordance with legislative requirements to allow for public comment and participation. No objections were received during the prescribed process.
The existing contract relates to the supply, installation, maintenance, and support of electronic traffic enforcement technology, including operational support services linked to the processing and finalisation of traffic violations.
The amendment will assist the Municipality in enhancing administrative capabilities associated with traffic infringement management, ensuring improved system functionality, operational continuity, and compliance requirements.
CITY ADVANCES PLANS TO STRENGTHEN METRO POLICE TRAINING AND SMART POLICING CAPABILITIES
EThekwini Municipality is advancing plans aimed at strengthening law enforcement capacity and enhancing crime prevention capabilities through the proposed development of a dedicated Metro Police Training College and the expansion of Smart Policing initiatives.
As part of these efforts, authority has been granted for the Durban Metropolitan Police Service to prepare and submit a funding application to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) to support the proposed initiatives.
The planned projects include the establishment of a Metro Police Training College to support professional training and skills development, as well as the acquisition of drone technology to enhance operational effectiveness and modern policing capabilities.
These initiatives form part of the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to improving public safety, strengthening law enforcement operations, and embracing innovative technologies to support crime prevention and service delivery.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
