JUST days after being sworn in as eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Cyril Xaba has already made significant strides towards addressing critical issues facing the community. Demonstrating his commitment to immediate action, Mayor Xaba visited Ward 56 in Inanda, particularly the Newtown A and Ngoqokazi areas on 14 July to gain first-hand insight into the persistent water challenges plaguing these regions. 

In his maiden speech, on 10 July at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Mayor Xaba emphasised key areas of focus. This includes improving infrastructure, enhancing service delivery, and fostering economic growth. He also highlighted the importance of transparent governance and community engagement. True to his word, he has already begun addressing these priorities by tackling one of the most pressing issues affecting local residents: access to clean water. 

During his visit, Mayor Xaba received reports from the community about the ongoing water shortages that have persisted since the 2022 foods. Residents of Inanda Newtown A have faced intermittent water supply, with some households relying on water tankers for up to a decade. Additionally, many households have raised concerns about excessively high Municipal bills. “I have come to this area after receiving a phone call from the local councillor complaining about persisting water challenges.

Having seen first-hand the challenges on the ground, I am now in a better position to understand the plight of the community and will be able to seek appropriate answers from the administration as to why we are having these challenges and when they plan to resolve them,” Mayor Xaba stated. Both residents and business owners have expressed their optimism and support for the new Mayor.  ey believe that his proactive approach and commitment to resolving key issues can only bring positive changes to Durban in the coming months. e community has welcomed Mayor Xaba’s to find long-lasting solutions to water shortages and other services delivery problems.

The Mayor's immediate actions and focus on community engagement are a promising start to his tenure. With his emphasis on improving infrastructure and addressing urgent issues, residents are hopeful that Durban will see significant improvements under his leadership. Mayor Xaba’s hands-on approach and determination to seek answers from the administration reflect his dedication to serving the community and enhancing the quality of life for all residents.