The World Bank recently released a report on the impact rapid urbanisation and climate change has had on eThekwini’s environment.

The report titled, Promoting Green Urban Development in African Cities, provides an urban environmental profile of the City of eThekwini.

It found that the natural environment of eThekwini, which is located in a global biodiversity hotspot, has been put under severe pressure due to various drivers including rapid urbanisation and climate change.

The City has developed in a fragmented pattern including high growth in peri-urban areas that has encroached into natural habitats and conservation areas, threatening the City’s long term sustainability as the degradation of the City’s natural resource base has direct economic and financial costs

eThekwini Mayor James Nxumalo welcomed the partnership between the City and the World Bank as well as the report that has been produced.

“The report confirms that our environment is under stress due to a range of drivers. But there are some opportunities, and by highlighting these and the contribution that the City’s natural resource base makes to development, this document will help us to more effectively promote sustainable and inclusive development,” he said.

Enhanced local-level implementation and enforcement of environmental regulations throughout land under Traditional Authority and the eThekwini Municipal Authority are among the recommendations in the report.

Report recommendations

It also recommends the integration of strategic and financial planning across sectors as well as the development of Green Urban Development strategies for specific areas and investments.

In addition, improved, appropriate management of the urbanisation process including basic service delivery and upgrading in informal settlements, would help the City better manage the environment.

The report also cites improved liquid waste infrastructure and services using appropriate technologies and cost-recovery measures and long-term watershed and water supply management in its recommendations.

“The collaboration with liquid waste infrastructure has been very productive and exemplifies the leading role that eThekwini plays in the field of city environmental management in Africa and the World,” said Roland White, World Bank Global Lead for City Management, Governance and Financing.