Public Service Month: eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba opens upgraded road south of Durban
Cyril Xaba, mayor of the eThekwini Municipality opened an upgraded Road in Emagabheni, south of Durban this week as part of activities to mark Public Service Month.
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eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba marked Public Service Month by opening a newly upgraded road in Emagabheni, south of Durban and engaging with municipal staff and residents on service delivery initiatives.
On Thursday, mayor Xaba began the day with a walkabout at the Revenue Customer Services Centre in the Florence Mkhize Building in the Durban CBD where he interacted with frontline staff and observed daily operations.
He also visited the Arrears Management Section to assess revenue clearance and sale in execution processes.
According to the municipality, the walkabout was aimed at reinforcing transparency, efficiency, and resident-focused service delivery.
Following his engagements with staff, the mayor travelled to Emagabheni where he officially opened a 2km upgraded road in Inkangala. The R6.3 million project converted a gravel road into a blacktop surface and was designed internally by the municipality.
The new road now connects rural households to the main road, providing improved mobility and easier access for residents. It also ensures that water tankers, which previously struggled to reach the area due to poor conditions, are now able to deliver water consistently.
Xaba said the road has already improved basic service delivery in the community.
“Water delivery is now consistent and reliable in the area,” he said.
He highlighted that the project also created jobs within the community.
“We are also encouraged that this project contributes to local economic empowerment, employing several community members, which includes women and youth,” said Xaba.
The mayor emphasised that the municipality’s efforts are guided by the Batho Pele Principles, which put residents at the centre of government services.
“This initiative reflects the Batho Pele Principles by placing residents at the heart of service delivery and infrastructure development,” he said.
Xaba added that the road upgrade and other activities undertaken during Public Service Month form part of the municipality’s long-term vision.
“These activities form part of eThekwini Municipality’s broader vision to become Africa’s most caring and liveable city by 2030,” he said.
Public Service Month is commemorated annually across South Africa in September to recognise the role of the public sector in improving citizens’ lives.
This year, eThekwini Municipality’s programme focused on bringing services closer to residents while highlighting efforts to improve internal systems and community infrastructure.