Durban's inner city has received a major infrastructure boost after the eThekwini Municipality invested approximately R127.9 million in rehabilitating key roads during the 2025/26 financial year.
The municipality said the investment formed part of its ongoing Inner-City Regeneration Programme, aimed at restoring and modernising Durban's urban core, improving mobility, enhancing public safety, and stimulating economic growth within the central business district and surrounding precincts.
The road rehabilitation programme covered 13 strategic roads across the inner city and surrounding areas, resulting in the upgrade of approximately 65 lane kilometres of road infrastructure, enabling the Roads and Infrastructure Management Directorate to exceed its annual resurfacing target.
Among the major road rehabilitated through the programme include Umngeni Road, Dr Pixley ka Seme Street, K E Masinga Road, Masabalala Yengwa Avenue, Sandile Thusi Road, Margaret Mncadi Avenue, Soldiers Way, Smiso Nkwanyana Road, and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Freeway (M4).
According to the municipality, the extensive works have significantly improved conditions along key transport corridors used daily by thousands of commuters, residents, businesses, and public transport operators. The work also included improvements to stormwater drainage systems, pedestrian and road safety, while reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Acting Deputy Director of Roads and Infrastructure Management Thanda Zulu said the programme’s success underscores the municipality’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure and creating a more attractive, efficient, and investment-friendly city.
Zulu noted the coordinated rehabilitation of roads across the CBD and Warwick precincts has strengthened critical transport networks, while supporting wider urban renewal objectives.
Zulu also reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of the Inner-City Regeneration Programme through continued infrastructure investment.
“An investment of nearly R128 million in our inner-city road network reflects the municipality’s commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure, improving the movement of people and goods, and creating an environment that supports economic growth, investment, and job creation.
“The success of the Inner-City Road Rehabilitation Programme is already delivering tangible benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors to Durban,” Zulu said.
Zulu said the programme also highlights the valuable contribution of the municipality’s internal roads teams.
“Out of the 13 roads rehabilitated during the 2025/26 financial year, four projects were completed entirely by municipal teams, while another project was delivered through a combination of internal and contracted resources.
“This demonstrates the growing capacity and expertise within the municipality to deliver quality infrastructure projects efficiently and cost-effectively,” he said.
The municipality commended the dedication and professionalism of its engineers, including project managers, technical teams and contractors, whose collaborative efforts ensured the successful delivery of the projects.
This is despite challenges related to traffic management, utility relocations, high pedestrian volumes, and adverse weather conditions.
It added that it will continue investing in strategic infrastructure projects to improve service delivery, support economic development, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. – SAnews.gov.za
