A Durban Business Confidence report has reported an increase from 32.42% on quater one to 55.49% in quarter two in sectors like manufacturing, construction and community services despite eThekwini Municipality being placed under Section 154 by Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi.
The report has been welcomed by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba who has said that the report demonstrates that the City is committedin creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
The report was compiled by the University of KwaZulu-Natal School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eThekwini Municipality..
The improvement in electricity supply is among other factors that have contributed to the increase although service delivery issues including water and sanitation pose a challenge in the City.
Mayor Xaba recently visited Inanda where the residents told him that their taps were dry for more than seven years.
“It is through collaborative efforts by all our social partners that we have been able to achieve this milestone. Therefore, we want to thank all our stakeholders including business, government, organised labour and civil society for ensuring that eThekwini remains the premier destination for investment,” said Mayor Xaba.
The Mayor has said high level engagements with the top management have already started as he recently promised to turn things around in the eThekwini Municipality in his acceptance speech a week ago.