DURBAN – THE eThekwini Municipality unveiled a number of infrastructure projects it hopes would be a foundation to attract investments and launch catalyst projects that will revive and grow the economy whilst also creating decent jobs.
It hopes some of the projects would be undertaken this coming financial year.
“Investment in infrastructure is one of the key priorities for the ANC government to grow the economy and create decent jobs,” said eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
“Working with all spheres of government, through the District Development Model, we want to unlock R4.5 billion of bulk infrastructure to support the implementation of commercial and public catalytic projects,” he said.
Among the projects is the upgrading of Old North Coast road; revamping of the electricity substation for the Brickworks development worth about R800 million and road infrastructure improvement, bulk water, electricity and wastewater treatment works for the Ntshongweni development worth R862m.
Road infrastructure upgrade for Keystone Development valued R200m, the N3 KwaXimba interchange, waste water treatment work and electricity supply for Cato Ridge development R700m.
Kaunda said: “The investment of over R700m the city made over the last two years within the point precinct has changed the face of the city, making Durban a truly world-class city.
“This bodes well for the R29bn foreign direct investment in the point waterfront. We welcome the R200m investment by the Mediterranean Shipping Company of the new cruise terminal which is under construction. Working in partnership with Transnet, this development will add more value and change the face of our Point Waterfront,” he said.
He said there were a number of catalyst projects that are under way and set to be completed in 2026 with the potential investment of about R217bn.
THE MERCURY