City manager assesses service delivery at uMlazi Roads and Stormwater Depot

eThekwini City Manager, Musa Mbhele made an unannounced site visit  to the uMlazi Roads and Stormwater Depot this week.

He said this was part of a broader campaign to improve service delivery and uphold the city’s vision of being Africa’s most caring and liveable city.

Mr Mbhele, accompanied by Human Capital Unit executives, engaged directly with depot staff to understand issues that hinder effective delivery of quality basic services to communities.

The visit is the first in a series of joint initiatives between the office of the City Manager and the Human Capital Unit. The aim is to identify and address on-the-ground challenges in a bid to accelerate service delivery.

The uMlazi Depot services uMlazi, Isipingo, Malukazi, and Lamontville. Services offered include road maintenance, stormwater management, concrete repairs, open drain cleaning, traffic signage and pothole repairs.

Mr Mbhele said the visit was needed due to the service delivery challenges experienced by communities. 

“This is part of our zero-tolerance approach to non-service delivery, which is affecting performance,” he said. “As the accounting officer of the city, it is my role to ensure that departments work efficiently and cohesively and that the workforce is supported to deliver quality services.The primary aim is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of service delivery by addressing root causes and fostering a more responsive and accountable system.” 

Among the concerns raised during the visit was infrastructure challenges, human resources related issues and service delays due to overlapping departmental responsibilities, Mr Mbhele said.

A commitment was made to streamline processes and ensure that the Roads and Stormwater Department takes full control of relevant service areas for faster service delivery.  A detailed intervention plan and report-back session will follow, Mr Mbhele said.

uMlazi Roads and Stormwater Depot Superintendent, Moses Cele, welcomed the initiative, though it came as a total surprise with no prior indication of the visit.

“It was an engaging exercise that helps leadership understand our day-to-day work and challenges. When management sees the reality on the ground, it brings hope to the teams and ensures that the right support systems can be put in place. We remain committed to providing services to communities,” he said. 

This joint initiative marks a proactive shift towards better internal coordination and improved community outcomes.

Residents can report issues to the City’s Roads and Stormwater Department via the toll-free number 080 131 3013 or email: Eservices@durban.gov.za