CAPITAL BUDGET ALLOCATION TO BUSINESS UNITS

FOLLOWING the tabling of the 2024/25 draft budget at a recent Full Council meeting, eThekwini Municipality has begun the process of consulting with valued stakeholders before final adoption. The proposed budget totals R67.3 billion, comprising an operating budget of R59.7 billion and a capital budget of R7.6 billion. 

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CLEANSING AND SOLID WASTE UNIT 

BUDGET ALLOCATION OF R2.2 BILLION

In the 2024/25 draft budget, the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit plays a vital role in maintaining healthy environments. With an operating budget of R1.9billion, including R166 million for repairs and maintenance, services are optimised for over one million households and businesses. R368 million will focus on transport assets and the Buffelsdraai Landfill and Shongweni Landfill to address refuse challenges. This allocation enables the removal of over 1.4 million tons of refuse annually, ensuring a sustainable environment. Residents can expect an 8% tariff increase, while businesses will see a 9% increase. 

ENGINEERING UNIT BUDGET 

ALLOCATION OF R3.9 BILLION

The Engineering Unit provides essential services for building and the environment, maintaining road networks, sidewalks, and stormwater systems. With an operating budget of R2.5billion, including R684 million for repairs and maintenance, the unit ensures proper infrastructure upkeep and development for the community. The capital budget of R1.4 billion. 

HUMAN SETTLEMENT UNIT BUDGET 

ALLOCATION OF R1.45 BILLION

The Human Settlements Unit oversees the delivery of new housing units and the management of hostels and rental stock. With a total budget of R1.45billion, including an operating budget of R631.2 million and a capital budget of R825 million, the unit aims to construct 1 638 new houses in the 2024/2025 financial year despite rising construction costs. 

COMMUNITY AND EMERGENCY 

CLUSTER BUDGET ALLOCATION OF R7.4BILLION

The Community and Emergency Services Department oversees health, parks, recreation, and safety services, managing numerous facilities and amenities. With an operating budget of R6.7 billion, the service has a significant staff complement, with staff costs being a major budget driver. Additionally, there is a provision of R153 million for repairs and maintenance to ensure proper upkeep of infrastructure, including swimming pools, within the department's purview. The capital budget of R714 million. 

ETHEKWINI TRANSPORT AUTHORITY 

BUDGET ALLOCATION OF R2.3BILLION

The eThekwini Transport Agency (ETA) oversees public transport operations in the City, managing bus shelters, taxi ranks, and bus stations. With an operating budget of R1.56 billion and a capital budget of R754.9 million, the ETA also provides for Durban Transport and the People Mover system. The capital budget allocation will be directed towards traffic calming measures, the Bridge City terminal, intelligent transport systems, an integrated fare management system, and the Go!Durban IRPTN initiative. 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

BUDGET ALLOCATION OF 

R2.1 BILLION

The increased investment in infrastructure aims to create a conducive environment for business, attracting new investors and fostering economic development. The focus remains on strategic township development, town centre renewals industrial upgrades, tourism enhancement, sector support programmes, and LED initiatives such as ICT and Renewable Energy technologies. Additionally, R728 million is earmarked for catalytic projects. 

JOB CREATION PROJECTS 

While progress has been made, there is a continued commitment to job creation, focusing on youth development. This includes initiatives like the Sihlanzimvelo Steam Cleaning Programme creating over 840 jobs, the Zibambele Programme generating over 7 300 jobs, and 450 job opportunities at the Moses Mabhida Stadium's events. There are 2 600 beneficiaries from the Presidential Employment stimulus, 264 cooperatives for verges grass cutting, and 167 caretakers employed at ablution facilities. Around 1 584 plumbers are employed on a rotational basis with 466 community-based contractors employing  1 398 individuals and 475 community-based contractors working on rural water and sanitation projects. A further 887 people are employed by the Cleansing and Solid Waste Unit under the Expanded Public Works Programme grant, with funding of R60.8 million paying individuals at a rate of R100 per day (R50 per day subsidised by National Treasury). The Soup Kitchens programme currently serves approximately 550 beneficiaries per day at each site, with a total of 87 operational sites. 

While progress has been made, efforts will be increased by expanding to 94 sites in 2024/2025. The operating budget for this programme in 2024/2025 amounts to R137 million, allocated for purchasing groceries, gas, and stipends. 

Volunteers are engaged to manage the sites and receive a stipend to cover travel and living expenses. 

MAJOR CAPITAL PROGRAMMES

Major capital projects over the 2024/2025 Medium-Term Revenue and Expenditure Framework to improve service delivery, building a conducive environment for economic development, and rehabilitation of infrastructure are the following: 

• Wastewater Treatment Works Upgrades/Expansion: R2.4 billion 
• Low-cost Housing and Infrastructure: R2.5 billion
• EThekwini Transport Authority (including PTIS): R2.3 billion 
• Replacement of Bus Fleet: R298 million 
• Electricity Infrastructure: R2.1 billion 
• Addressing Community Service Backlogs: R2.3 billion 
• Roads Rehabilitation and Reconstruction and New Access Roads: R1.7 billion 
• Zonal Planning: R338 million 
• Water loss Intervention Programme and Replacement of Water Pipes R3 billion 
• R728 million for Catalytic Projects which are critical in bringing the Foreign Direct Investment to the City