INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DRIVING DURBAN’S GROWTH
- Grant Adlam
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
There is currently a significant drive to invest in infrastructure in eThekwini. Russell Curtis, a key figure in investment promotion for the city, emphasizes the importance of reflecting on past achievements as a benchmark for future progress.
“We need to remind ourselves where we once were because it serves as a benchmark to show that we can get back there again,” Curtis states. “Not that long ago, Durban was recognised as having the best electricity distribution network on the African continent. It was awarded Blue Drop status for some of the world’s highest-quality tap water. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Durban was once the least congested metro in South Africa, ensuring smooth transportation for both commerce and daily life. These are accomplishments that show we were there before, and we are getting back there again.”
Ongoing Improvements
Acknowledging the infrastructure challenges South Africa – and Durban in particular – has faced in recent years, Curtis remains optimistic about ongoing improvements. “I am absolutely convinced that some of the worst is behind us, and everyone is doubling down to restore electricity reliability, potable water quality, sanitation, roads, and bridges,” he affirms. He attributes this progress to strategic partnerships between business leadership and government leadership, which have gained momentum at both the national and metropolitan levels.
“At the national level, partnerships such as the National Logistics Crisis Committee have been instrumental in addressing port logistics challenges, and now similar efforts are being made in water, safety, and security. We’re already enjoying these Business Partnership benefits in electricity generation. This collaboration has already started to deepen in Durban,” Curtis explains. “The President has replicated this approach with a specific focus on Durban through the Presidential eThekwini Working Groups (PEWG). For just over a year, these working groups have been dedicated to infrastructure improvements, including power, water, roads, as well as tourism enhancement, in collaboration with business leaders and government officials.”
Private Sector Investment
Opportunities One of the most notable developments is the allocation of an additional R10 billion to significantly improve water and sanitation. Curtis highlights this as part of a broader effort to revamp infrastructure. “We saw how sustained efforts from business and government, along with international support – particularly from partners like the USA – helped address the electricity crisis. Now, similar attention is being given to water and sanitation,” he notes. “Beyond funding, there is also an institutional restructuring of the water authorities taking place to enhance efficiency and speed up delivery. Over the next three years, more than R3 billion per annum will be invested into this revamped approach, in addition to eThekwini’s own capital budget, which is already substantial.”
Curtis also points to promising private sector investment opportunities within Durban’s infrastructure. “One of the pure private sector investment opportunities we are working on is a package of two new regional wastewater treatment works, a project valued at around €100 million. We are engaging with international and local partners to bring in approximately R2 billion for this public-private partnership initiative,” he says. “This is a real opportunity for those with the right expertise and investment appetite.”
Public-private partnerships are seen as a crucial mechanism for these developments. “The term ‘public-private partnership’ has been used for years, but now it is time to move beyond talk and take action,” Curtis asserts. “National Government and the eThekwini Metro Council are determined to implement specific projects with clear investment pathways for business. We are also seeing similar initiatives across entities like Transnet, Umgeni Water, and ACSA (Airports Company South Africa), signalling a new era of tangible collaboration.”
Investment Appeal
Durban’s strategic location further enhances its investment appeal. Curtis compares the city to other South African metros, emphasising its unique balance of economic opportunity and lifestyle. “We acknowledge that Johannesburg is the economic hub of the continent and that Cape Town offers a strong tourism appeal. However, Durban offers the best of both worlds – business, lifestyle, culture, and entertainment – all in one city,” he explains. As eThekwini moves forward with infrastructure renewal, Curtis encourages both local and international investors to engage with our region’s numerous opportunities. “From inner-city regeneration to our beachfront revitalisation, Durban is on a strong turnaround trajectory. The Golden Mile, for example, is already seeing visible improvements, with enhanced safety and cleanliness ensuring a world-class experience. Now is the time to invest, build, and be part of Durban’s next great chapter.”
