eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has unveiled a R530 million investment plan for Chatsworth, aiming to enhance community services and address concerns raised by residents. The plan is part of the city’s R74.7 billion draft budget for 2026/2027, which includes R68.8 billion in operating expenditure and R5.86 billion in capital spending.
Key Investments
The investment plan includes significant allocations for water infrastructure, wastewater works, and electricity infrastructure. According to Mayor Xaba, the development of the Southern Aqueduct will alleviate water supply challenges in the southern areas, with R1.73 billion invested in water infrastructure and water loss prevention interventions, and R3.01 billion in upgrades to wastewater works. Additionally, R2.45 billion is allocated for electricity infrastructure.
Residents from areas including Chatsworth, Bluff, and Montclair raised concerns about high tariffs, poor debt collection, and non-revenue water and sanitation during the budget presentation at the Nelson Mandela Youth Centre. Xolani Mglongo, a member of the Treasury, highlighted investments earmarked for Isipingo and Cornubia.
Tariff Increases
The proposed tariff increases include:
- Water: 15% for domestic use and 16% for business use
- Sanitation: 13% for domestic use and 14% for business use
- Refuse removal: 9.9% for domestic use and 9% for business use
Silverglen resident Niresh Lukhan expressed concern about the lack of change in the community despite constant increases in services and allocated budgets. He urged the mayor to focus on reducing turnaround times for water leak repairs and improving services to curb water wastage and illegal dumping.
Another resident, Mo Sheik, questioned the increases and asked the mayor to consider the impact on residents who face minimal salary increases each year. The draft budget was tabled to council on March 31, and draft budget consultations will be held throughout the city during May. Residents can submit their comments via email by May 11.
For more information on the city’s budget and investment plans, visit the eThekwini Municipality website to learn about the various initiatives and projects aimed at improving community services and infrastructure.
