THE Municpality's Executive Committee (EXCO) has approved about R320 million towards the reconstruction and repair of Council housing stock around eThekwini.

In addition to this amount, an application for grant funding of R280 million will be made to the KZN Department of Human Settlements.

The grant from province would go towards servicing shortfalls in budget allocations for housing in Chatsworth, Lamontville and former R293 areas (townships). Although Council had initially authorised R500 million towards the refurbishment of houses in former R293 townships, this amount was exceeded as some of the houses were badly damaged and had to be rebuilt.

These are the houses that were under the KwaZulu administration, and later the Department of Human Settlements and they are now the responsibility of the Municipality.

The initial scope of work did not cater for the demolition and reconstruction of the badly damaged houses, a report from the Municipality's Housing Unit said.

In addition, "inadequate storm water control had undermined many house foundations and these costs were not included in the original scope of work".

The chairman of the Municipality's Housing Committee Nigel Gumede said the initial budget included limited items due to funding constraints.

"However, as the upgrading progressed, other essential repairs were undertaken to restore the houses to an acceptable quality. "This resulted in the initially approved funding being exceeded," he said.

A combined additional R80 million is required to improve houses in Lamontville and Chatsworth. An additional R245 million is required for refurbishment of housing stock in former R293 areas.

A total of 22 areas around eThekwini have undergone housing rehabilitation under the project.

Progress on Durban transport operations
The number of buses operating around eThekwini is showing some signs of improvement.

The eThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) told EXCO this week that whilst buses operating had not yet reached full number of 450; there had been steady improvement.

A report tabled before EXCO this week said 15 Mynah buses had been added to the fleet and these had been operating since August 2009.

"Although 40 Mynah buses are required for the full service, there had been some challenges with the procurement of additional buses.  Five standard buses have been branded in the Mynah colours and will be used on the Mynah routes as trial," the report said.

An additional two Sukuma buses that are disabled friendly have also been in operation since September 2009 with a third being reserved for special hires. The ETA said it would be ordering two additional buses shortly.

City Manager Michael Sutcliffe said a presentation had already been made to the KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu on the state of Durban Transport. He said the Municipality was looking at handing over the bus to Tansnat, the new contractors appointed to take over the fleet in September 2009.

Sutcliffe said there were some challenges including a labour case with unions arguing that the new contractor should take over all the employees of Remant Alton.

The case is due to be heard in June 2010. The City Manager said the Municipality had made provision for Tansnat to employ 80% of ex-Remant Alton employees.

"Because of the reluctance of sufficient ex Remant Alton drivers to come forward, Tansnat made a request to the City that the 80% requirement be done away with. This matter is with the Provincial Task Team, and a decision on the matter is awaited," he said.

Source: Durban