ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUMAN SETTLEMENT, ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE PRIORITISES INFRASTRUCTURE, WATER EDUCATION, AND MATHS SUPPORT
EThekwini Municipality’s Human Settlement, Engineering and Transport Committee held its ordinary meeting yesterday, 23 March.
Chaired by Councillor Themba Mvubu, the Committee recommended several important items to the Executive Committee, subject to the necessary approval processes, including final approval by Full Council.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON 2026/27 TARIFF REVIEWS
Human Settlements Tariffs
The Committee has recommended that a public participation process be undertaken on the proposed review of tariffs linked to Human Settlements Administration for the 2026/27 financial year, as part of the Municipality’s broader budget planning process.
This proposed review is intended to ensure that administrative services within the human settlements function remain adequately resourced and able to respond to increasing service delivery demands across the City.
Human Settlements Administration plays an important role in supporting housing-related processes and ensuring that communities receive services through a well-managed and sustainable administrative system.
The proposed tariff review also forms part of the Municipality’s annual assessment of service-related charges, at a time when local government continues to face the challenge of balancing affordability for residents with the rising cost of delivering services.
If approved, the proposed 5 percent tariff adjustment will come into effect in the 2026/27 financial year.
Review of Roads and Stormwater Maintenance tariffs for 2026/27
The Committee has also recommended a public participation process on the proposed review of tariffs for Roads and Stormwater Maintenance for the 2026/27 financial year.
The proposed review is aimed at supporting the continued maintenance of critical infrastructure that keeps the City’s road network functional and helps ensure effective stormwater drainage in communities across eThekwini.
Roads and stormwater systems are essential to the daily functioning of the City.
They support safe movement of people and goods, reduce the risk of flooding, and help protect public infrastructure during severe weather conditions.
The proposed tariff review comes at a time when municipalities across the country are under growing pressure to maintain ageing infrastructure while responding to rising service delivery needs.
Through the proposed 5 percent adjustment, the Municipality is seeking to strengthen the financial sustainability of this function and ensure that it remains able to meet operational requirements in the new financial year.
Review of Surveying and Land Information tariffs for 2026/27
The Committee further recommended a public participation process on the proposed review of tariffs for Surveying and Land Information services for the 2026/27 financial year.
This review forms part of the Municipality’s broader effort to align service charges with the actual cost of providing specialised technical and administrative support related to land management, development planning, and spatial administration.
Surveying and Land Information services are central to Municipal planning and service delivery.
They support development applications, land administration, infrastructure projects, and a wide range of property-related processes.
In a growing metropolitan area such as eThekwini, accurate land information and reliable surveying services remain essential for orderly development and long-term planning.
The proposed 5 percent tariff adjustment is expected to help the Municipality maintain the quality, efficiency, and responsiveness of these services for residents, developers, and other stakeholders.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THREE-YEAR WATER PURIFICATION PROGRAMME FOR GRADE 7 LEARNERS
The Committee has recommended the approval of a three-year educational programme focused on water purification and wastewater treatment for Grade 7 learners.
The initiative, which is proposed in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water and the Department of Education, is aimed at strengthening environmental awareness and practical science education among learners, while deepening their understanding of water safety, purification processes, and responsible water use.
This proposed programme reflects the Municipality’s growing commitment to learner development through targeted educational interventions that connect classroom learning with real-life challenges.
Water purification is an important subject in South Africa, particularly in the context of public health, environmental sustainability, and long-term water security.
By focusing on Grade 7 learners, the programme seeks to introduce this knowledge at a key stage in the schooling journey, helping to build a stronger foundation in science while also promoting awareness of one of the country’s most critical resources.
If approved, the programme will is expected to enrich the curriculum while also contributing to broader community awareness on water-related issues.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF MATHEMATICS TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR EDUCATORS
The Committee has also recommended the approval of a mathematics and SHARP scientific calculator training programme for educators, in a move aimed at strengthening teaching capacity and improving learning outcomes in the subject.
The proposed training programme, which is set to be implemented in partnership with the Department of Education, the Durban University of Technology, and SM Electronics, forms part of a broader effort to support educators with practical tools, updated knowledge, and improved teaching methods in mathematics.
Mathematics remains one of the most important subjects in the education system, with direct links to learner performance in science, technology, engineering, and innovation-driven fields.
Supporting educators in this area is critical to improving classroom delivery and helping learners achieve better outcomes.
By investing in educator development, the Municipality is reinforcing its commitment to supporting quality education and creating stronger foundations for future academic and economic opportunities for young people.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
