Community advocates rejoice as sewer drain issues in Cato Manor are resolved

The Concerned Rates Group (CRG) of eThekwini Municipal wards 64 and 65 has welcomed the unblocking of a sewer drain on Vuzi Mzimela Road in Cato Manor. 

Nisha Madaree, who represents the CRG, claimed her horrid experience with the road condition and the surrounding verges was when tourists got lost and had to drive through this area, with sentiments stating that Durban was bad news.

The road - previously known as Bellair Road - runs through Cato Manor and connects several large residential areas, including Queensburgh, Yellowwood Park, Chatsworth, Springfield, Sydenham, Sparks, and Westridge. The area that has deteriorated is between King Cetshwayo (formerly known as Jan Smuts Highway) and the entrance to the Cato Manor SAPS. 

Madaree stated that Vuzi Mzimela Road and verges had become an eyesore for motorists and an “utter disgrace”. Madaree had written to eThekwini officials, alerting them of the problem.

“These deteriorating areas will not attract tourists in our city whatsoever if we do not get our act together to clean up and save our beautiful city, Durban,” she said.

The CRG highlighted the following concerns: 

1. There is a major sewer drain leaking daily 
2. Minibus-taxi's have made part of the road a taxi rank and drive recklessly.  
3. Vendors took up the pavement for their use.
4. The informal settlement is a disaster because it is built on the pavement. 
5. The litter requires a massive clean-up.
6. Washing of clothes is done on the roadside.
7. Illegal connections of electricity. 
8. The damage to pavement infrastructure. 

Madaree said it should be a pleasure to drive through this area for motorists with safety measures in place. She emphasised the importance of preserving this part of the city for Durban to become a proper tourist attraction, adding value no matter where one drives. She also highlighted that the road leads to the Albert Luthuli Hospital, with staff and visitors using this thoroughfare. 

The eThekwini Municipality stated that the Technical Services department is responsible for the routine inspection, repair, maintenance, and unblocking of the city's stormwater drainage systems, among other duties. On December 24, 2025, the municipality had sent out a team to unblock the pipes.

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za