By OBAKENG MAJE
6 May 2025 – A National Council of Provinces (NCOP) KwaZulu-Natal delegation, led by Provincial Whip, Mzamo Billy, held a constructive engagement yesterday, with the executive of the eThekwini Local Municipality, including the mayor Cyril Xaba and senior city management. The meeting was a direct follow-up to the September 2024 NCOP Provincial Week oversight programme to assess progress on key public infrastructure projects.
Billy said following in-depth deliberations, the meeting welcomed a resolution that all stakeholders involved in the go. He said the Durban project, including taxi operators, be formally invited to appear before the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure.
“The delegation will accordingly write to the Committee Chairperson, Frederik Badenhorst to consider the decision. This initiative seeks to break the current impasse over equity disputes and ensure inclusive participation in shaping the future of public transport in eThekwini.
“The delegation reaffirmed that delays in the project undermine access and mobility for thousands of commuters and urged swift, transparent resolution of the issues. The delegation also noted progress in other critical service delivery initiatives,” said Billy.
He further said the R270 million Hammarsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant has recorded R52 million in current expenditure and 35% completion, with officials committing to addressing earlier delays relating to design, procurement and funding cycles. Billy added that, at the Kennedy Road Housing Project, the NCOP delegation welcomed the report that 61 housing units have been built to date.
“In a move to strengthen public trust and fair access, the NCOP recommended the implementation of a transparent and accessible housing beneficiary list, a recommendation the City has accepted.
“To ensure continuity, the NCOP delegation has requested quarterly progress reports on both the Hammarsdale and Kennedy Road projects. This reporting will allow parliament to track expenditure, monitor challenges and push for timely delivery to the communities that need it most,” he said.
Billy said through the effort of the NCOP, these crucial projects have seen great progress. He stressed that as the NCOP, they are resolute in our duty to ensure that public infrastructure investments deliver real, measurable benefits to the people.
“We welcome the city’s cooperation, but will continue to hold them accountable until every commitment is honoured. The NCOP will now escalate today’s resolutions to relevant parliamentary structures and monitor implementation closely in upcoming sittings and oversight visits,” said Billy.
The Guardian 