Durban’s iconic uShaka Marine World and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) are set to undergo significant upgrades and refurbishments following the eThekwini Municipality’s approval of budget adjustments.
The municipal council has agreed to a substantial allocation of R15 million for the ICC and R6 million for uShaka Marine World for upgrades. Additionally, an extra R6 million has been approved to cover a shortfall resulting from an increase in entry fees at uShaka Marine World. These funding adjustments were proposed by the economic development and planning committee and subsequently presented to the council.
The committee noted that the municipal council had previously allocated R15 million last year to the Durban ICC for various essential upgrades, including replacing a leaking roof, upgrading partition walls, purchasing generators to mitigate load shedding, and enhancing the Cherry Picker and Railway Station restaurant. Although these projects commenced in the last financial year, they could not be completed by June 30.
“The entity is targeting to complete and commission the remainder of the projects in the 2023/2024 financial year, given their immediate priority to the entity,” stated the committee. They also highlighted that the proposed changes had received approval from the Durban ICC board.
Given the incomplete status of some funded projects, the ICC is now seeking to reprioritise the previously approved capital budget to accommodate additional upgrades. These include the completion of the business lounge, general facility capital upgrades, enhancements to terracotta/artists suites, CCTV upgrades, improvements to the Durban ICC coffee shop, and the Durban Exhibition Centre upgrade project. The committee clarified that no additional funding was required for these projects, as they will be covered by the already approved R15 million capital budget.
Regarding uShaka Marine World, the committee requested permission to repurpose R6 million of the capital expenditure grant for operating expenses. Specifically, this amount is needed to replace the Dolphin Stadium video screen.
“The Dolphin Stadium video screen is an integral part of the Dolphin and Seal Shows visitor experience. This is a DMTP asset, but operated by the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) due to its expertise in this function. Although SAAMBR has managed to keep the video screen functional beyond its expected lifespan, it has now become obsolete and urgently needs replacement. An amount of R6 million is required for this purpose, to be sourced from the R20 million already allocated by the municipality,” the committee reported.
