Cape Town: A funding package of R378 million has been secured to assist the City of eThekwini with reducing significant water loss. This is part of the work of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG), Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni announced on Thursday at a post-Cabinet media briefing. This stride coincides with a 30% reduction in sewer and water repair backlogs in the city.
According to South African Government News Agency, addressing members of the media in Cape Town, the Minister said Cabinet was updated on the workings of the PeWG during its meeting on Wednesday. The PeWG is a multi-stakeholder mechanism to address critical service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.
‘Domestic travel to eThekwini is also on the rebound, increasing by 33% year-on-year and contributing over R17.4 billion in economic value. International tourist arrivals also rose by 9.8%, bringing in R3.3 billion,’ Ntshavheni said. The working group was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in April 2024 to respond to the challenges of the municipality and to accelerate support from national and provincial government to rebuild the municipality.
It operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.