The eThekwini Municipality is set to commission the upgrade of the road infrastructure in the Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre.

According to the municipality the upgrade is necessary to support development in the area and address the existing traffic congestion.

Implementation of the upgrade will be done in a phased approach. The first phase will include a GO!Durban bus rapid transport route between Bridge City and Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre.

Head of eThekwini Transport Authority Thami Manyathi says the route will provide an alternate access to the centre thereby assisting with traffic congestion and traffic loading distribution in the area.

Some other key road infrastructure improvements include:

1. The upgrading of Umhlanga Rocks Drive to six lanes including the conversion of traffic circles to traffic signals between the M41 and Herrwood Drive.
2. Upgrading of Umhlanga Rocks Drive to a four dual lane carriageway between Herrwood Drive and the M4.
3. The upgrading of Herrwood Drive to four lanes between Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Autum Drive.

Converting dilapidate buildings into social housing units

The City is also set to convert two council-owned dilapidated buildings into social housing units.

The two properties, in Playfair Road, North Beach and in Epsom Road, Greyville, have been identified for conversion as they are located within close proximity to the beachfront, Durban Train Station and the City Centre.

Conversion of the two properties for social housing will assist in providing much-needed residential opportunities for low income households to have access to housing opportunities and socio-economic resources within the City.

The Municipality has undertaken to provide and make rental accommodation accessible for low income groups who cannot afford the private sector rental market.

The developments will consist of bachelor, one-bedroomed and two-bedroomed self-contained units.

While all possibilities of high-rise development will be explored, the full development potential of the properties will be subject to the outcome of a detailed feasibility study.

The development will also prevent the properties from being invaded by vagrants or nests for breeding crime and other illegal activities.