ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OVER R127 MILLION INVESTED FOR ROAD UPGRADE PROGRAMME TO REVITALISE DURBAN’S INNER CITY
EThekwini Municipality has reached a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to revitalise Durban’s inner city through the successful implementation of its Inner-City Road Rehabilitation Programme.
During the 2025/26 financial year, the Municipality invested approximately R127.9 million in the rehabilitation of 13 strategic roads across the inner city and surrounding areas. The programme resulted in the upgrade of approximately 65 lane-kilometres of road infrastructure, enabling the Roads and Infrastructure Management Directorate to exceed its annual resurfacing target.
This investment forms part of the Municipality’s broader 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.
Major roads 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), among others.
The extensive works have significantly improved conditions along key transport corridors used daily by thousands of commuters, residents, businesses, and public transport operators. In addition to road resurfacing, the projects have enhanced stormwater drainage systems, improved pedestrian and road safety, and reduced long-term maintenance requirements.
The Municipality commends the dedication and professionalism of its engineers, project managers, technical teams, and contractors whose collaborative efforts ensured the successful delivery of the projects despite challenges related to traffic management, utility relocations, high pedestrian volumes, and adverse weather conditions.
The programme’s success underscores the Municipality’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure and creating a more attractive, efficient, and investment-friendly city. The coordinated rehabilitation of roads across the CBD and Warwick precincts has strengthened critical transport networks while supporting wider urban renewal objectives.
Acting Deputy Director of Roads and Infrastructure Management, Thanda Zulu, said the Municipality remains committed 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,” said Zulu.
Zulu added that 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 will continue investing in strategic infrastructure projects that improve service delivery, support economic development, and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
