• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: In operation

"Currently the kerbside recycling project is operating in approximately 6 wards out of 37. The aim is to include all municipal wards in the kerbside recycling program by. This will ensure that recovery, re-use and recycling
of waste is maximized. The volume of waste disposed to landfill is minimized. Life spans of landfill sites are extended."

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Completed

The EEDSM programme is fully funded and managed by the Department of Energy, whereby interested municipalities have to apply for funding. The EEDSM Program supports municipalities in their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs by optimizing their use of energy. Upon applying, the approved municipalities receive grants for the planning and implementation of energy efficient technologies that range from traffic and street lighting, to energy efficient technologies in buildings as well as in water service infrastructure. The estimated electricity saving potential in accordance to technologies is up to 80% for traffic lights, between 40-70% for street lights, between 20-30% for office buildings and up to 15-25% for pumps that are used for water provision and treatment.

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Under construction / set up

Msunduzi Municipality has recognized that the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network is an important instrument of change.

• Start year:
• Type: Strategy / Policy
• Status: Completed

A City Development Strategy (CDS) provides a vision for a city to move towards, aiming to create conditions that increase the likelihood of success in reaching this goal. The CDS focuses on: Political And Governance Issues
Financial And Economic Issues
Social Issues
Human Settlements And Basic Services
Infrastructure
Planning And Environmental Issues
In developing such a strategy for Msunduzi, ensures that the following aspects are taken into consideration:
Livelihoods are improved, including job creation, business development, and sources of household income;
Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of the city and
the quality of its service delivery;
Improved spatial form and infrastructure;
Adequate and sustainable financial resources; and
Improved governance.
Overall, the strategy should be flexible enough to accommodate changing governance and economic realities, and should ensure that the monitoring, evaluation and development of the plans become properly institutionalised.

• Start year:
• Type: Organizational / Governance
• Status: In operation

The Municipality is also piloting a project to implement solar powered street lighting and traffic lights in the CBD, the aim is that by 2030 100% of street lights and 100% of traffic signals in the CBD are powered by renewable energy (as stated in the IDP REVIEW FOR 2015/16 - 2016/17 page 111 and 254).

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Planning phase

An application was submitted to the Leonard DiCaprio (R20) fund in terms of requesting funding for the construction of a waste to energy plant within the Msunduzi Municipality. The project proposal was accepted.

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Completed

Disaster risk management has become the major challenge the entire world is faced with currently owing to the ever growing population, climate change, and the ever changing environment in general. Natural and man-made disasters result in economic as environmental losses which place a need for systematic approach to management of risks.The purpose of the Msunduzi Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP) is to document the institutional arrangements for disaster management planning which includes the assignment of primary and secondary responsibilities for priority disaster risks posing a threat in the Msunduzi. It further provides the broad framework within which the disaster risk management planning requirements of the Act will be implemented by the departments and other entities included in the organisational structure of the Msunduzi. It establishes the operational procedures to be implemented in the event of a disaster occurring or threating to occur in councils area. It aims to facilitate an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management in the municipality which will ensure that the Msunduzi achieves its vision for disaster risk management which is to build a resilient societies in the Msunduzi who are alert, informed and self-reliant by establishing risk reduction and resilience building as core principles, and developing adequate capabilities for readiness, effective and rapid, response and recovery. Lastly the plan established contingency measures in the form of specific and generic contingency plans in the line with the indicative risk profile of the municipality and to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster response.

• Start year:
• Type: Strategy / Policy
• Status: Completed

The Msunduzi Municipality have embarked on a path towards more sustainable development and city management. A key component of this is the creation of an enabling and educational framework to assist players in the urban environment in the development and management of ‘green’ buildings. Green buildings are those that are resource efficient, benefit their occupants and contribute positively to the environment and their communities. Green buildings are the result of numerous processes, methods and technologies coming together at once. They inherently involve multiple stakeholders, interests and areas of expertise. The aim of these guidelines is to provide an easy to use reference document for the municipality and
building professionals and users. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to address the key issues that offer the most widespread benefits in terms of operating costs, user amenity and the environment. Ultimately, this set of Green Building Guidelines is one of the tools needed and available to achieve better buildings and better spaces for people to live, work and play – to restore and enhance the environment, society and the economy.

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: Completed

it is essential for cities to adapt to climate change impacts and ensure that mitigation measures are identified which would contribute to reduction of GHG and the overall carbon footprint of the city.The Msunduzi's Strategic Environmental Assessment states that strategies and adaptation plans need to be investigated and implemented in order to ensure that natural resources are conserved and utilised in a sustainable manner.It is essential that all sectors / spheres of government are involved in climate change planning and policy development in order to ensure that mitigation and adaptation is incorporated into all future municipal policies, response strategies and plans. The Climate Change Policy seeks to unpack core issues (biodiversity, ecosystems and sensitive natural environments, water resources particularly water availability, quality and quantity, Impacts on food provision and agricultural sustainability, Impacts on human health due to temperature extremes and prevalence / occurrence of vector borne diseases, Impacts on storm water infrastructure and other infrastructure located in areas of flood potential, Waste management, Increased energy utilisation and impacts on electricity infrastructure, Impacts on the transportation sector and infrastructure) and suggests adaptation and mitigation measures in greater detail, to be implemented (i.e. each adaptation and mitigation option would be case / site specific) which would contribute to the reduction of climate change related impacts on each of the sectors mentioned above

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Planning phase

The kerbside recycling project provides residents with an easy and convenient way to recycle household waste and will soon be expanded throughout the Municipality. The initiative began as a pilot programme in 2009 in only three wards. In addition to curbing illegal dump sites, the project will save the municipality costs incurred through the collection of waste. Moreover, if successful, the programme will delay the need for a new landfill site. The currently used New England Road landfill site only has approximately four years left. Currently the Chase Valley area, including Clarendon, Wembley, Blackridge and Boughton are involved in the Kerbside recycling project.

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: Completed

"Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) includes all forms of movement that do not rely on an engine or motor for movement. This includes walking, cycling, rickshaws, animal drawn carts (especially in rural areas), push carts and rollerblading or skating for recreational purposes. Ultimately, NMT grows liveable communities - it is the most basic part of the transportation system and pedestrians in particular contribute to the vibrancy of a community.
NMT is generally recognised as a valuable component of the transportation system and the environment we live in due to the various benefits it holds. These benefits include environmental benefits, increased liveability, improved health, economic gains and transportation benefits. NMT can address a large range of transportation needs ranging from regional mobility to neighbourhood access. There are various types of trips where NMT may be used as part of or for the entire journey, whether by choice or out of necessity. People who commonly use NMT
are commuters (trips to and from work), learners (trips to and from educational institutions,including libraries and sports fields), service users (these include trips to shops, markets and other service destinations) and recreational users (trips by locals or tourists to recreational destinations).

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Under construction / set up

The Baynespruit is one of the most highly polluted rivers within the region and is currently consistently ranked in the top six most polluted rivers in South Africa. The river has also been a ‘hot topic’ in the local media with regards to its poor ecological health and its associated impacts on local communities and the environment. The Baynespruit is also a regular discussion point on the Msunduzi Catchment Management Forum agenda.
E.coli levels in the Baynespruit reached 141 400 E.coli per 100ml in January 2012. Results over 10 000 per 100ml indicate high incidences of sewage contamination.
Due to the high pollutant loads introduced into the Umgeni system by the Baynespruit, interventions which would result in even low to moderate improvements in the water quality of the Baynespruit is likely to contribute significantly to improvements in the overall water quality of the Umgeni catchment. Alien plant clearing, replanting of indigenous trees and the upgrade of identified "hotspot" sewers has already commenced with the following projects in the pipeline; installation of 3 floating wetlands, storm water filter socks and trash booms.

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: In operation

The approved climate change policy for the Msunduzi Municipality specifies that all developmental activities must incorporate green building designs / alternative energy solutions during the initial stages. Indigenous plant landscaping is encouraged as this promotes biodiversity and also aids in the reduction of the carbon footprint of the development and ultimately the city

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: In operation

Msunduzi Municipality – rehabilitation work and tree planting occurred in various areas (Blackridge, Chase Valley, Scottsville)
Communities living in and around the areas where rehabilitation work has occurred

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: In operation

This project is run by SANparks, DEDTEA and falls under the Water for water project.

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: In operation

The Waste Management Unit is aiming at encouraging recycling within all municipal business units. This is currently being done by providing all offices with recycling bins (cardboard, paper, glass, plastic) which the waste management unit will collect on a weekly basis (or as requested by the respective business unit)

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Completed

An Environmental Management Program (EMPr) is a plan developed to ensure that all necessary measures are identified and implemented in order to protect the environment and comply with environmental legislation when a particular project / development is proposed. EMPr’s are an important means of ensuring that development project programmes and legislative requirements are met during project implementation. EMPr’s provide measures which ensure that the environment is protected during the pre-construction, construction and post construction phases of a development.. The EMPr is developed with the intention of being implemented for projects undertaken by Municipal Business Units and certain projects implemented within the municipality by private organizations / developers, which have not triggered the requirements for Environmental Authorization in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, 2010).
Msunduzi Municipality recognizes that it has a responsibility to ensure that environmental degradation is prevented as far as reasonably possible, while at the same time ensuring that developmental activities promote sustainability and ecological integrity.
The implementation of an EMPr will ensure that specific developments/projects and certain maintenance works, which have not triggered the requirements for Environmental Authorization in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA, 2010) can take place without prior Environmental Authorization from the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DEDTEA).
Specifically, with reference to Msunduzi Municipality, this means that certain internal projects/developments can be undertaken without prior Environmental Authorization which, in turn, reduces costs and timeframes associated with the project.
Developments/projects and certain maintenance works, can be done in accordance with conditions stipulated within the EMPr and consultation with the Msunduzi Municipalities Environmental Management Unit.

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Planning phase

The purpose of this project is to manage and control, through recycling, the damage caused by oil spills produced by illegal mechanics operating in the City of Msunduzi, and to propose a strategy for dealing with the clean-up whilst educating the mechanics and the general public on the negative impacts which incorrect disposal of oil causes on the environment

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: In operation

"Currently the kerbside recycling project is operating in approximately 6 wards out of 37. The aim is to include all municipal wards in the kerbside recycling program by. This will ensure that recovery, re-use and recycling
of waste is maximized. The volume of waste disposed to landfill is minimized. Life spans of landfill sites are extended."

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Completed

The EEDSM programme is fully funded and managed by the Department of Energy, whereby interested municipalities have to apply for funding. The EEDSM Program supports municipalities in their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs by optimizing their use of energy. Upon applying, the approved municipalities receive grants for the planning and implementation of energy efficient technologies that range from traffic and street lighting, to energy efficient technologies in buildings as well as in water service infrastructure. The estimated electricity saving potential in accordance to technologies is up to 80% for traffic lights, between 40-70% for street lights, between 20-30% for office buildings and up to 15-25% for pumps that are used for water provision and treatment.

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Under construction / set up

Msunduzi Municipality has recognized that the Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network is an important instrument of change.

• Start year:
• Type: Strategy / Policy
• Status: Completed

A City Development Strategy (CDS) provides a vision for a city to move towards, aiming to create conditions that increase the likelihood of success in reaching this goal. The CDS focuses on: Political And Governance Issues
Financial And Economic Issues
Social Issues
Human Settlements And Basic Services
Infrastructure
Planning And Environmental Issues
In developing such a strategy for Msunduzi, ensures that the following aspects are taken into consideration:
Livelihoods are improved, including job creation, business development, and sources of household income;
Environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of the city and
the quality of its service delivery;
Improved spatial form and infrastructure;
Adequate and sustainable financial resources; and
Improved governance.
Overall, the strategy should be flexible enough to accommodate changing governance and economic realities, and should ensure that the monitoring, evaluation and development of the plans become properly institutionalised.

• Start year:
• Type: Organizational / Governance
• Status: In operation

The Municipality is also piloting a project to implement solar powered street lighting and traffic lights in the CBD, the aim is that by 2030 100% of street lights and 100% of traffic signals in the CBD are powered by renewable energy (as stated in the IDP REVIEW FOR 2015/16 - 2016/17 page 111 and 254).

• Start year:
• Type: Technical / Infrastructural
• Status: Planning phase

An application was submitted to the Leonard DiCaprio (R20) fund in terms of requesting funding for the construction of a waste to energy plant within the Msunduzi Municipality. The project proposal was accepted.

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Completed

Disaster risk management has become the major challenge the entire world is faced with currently owing to the ever growing population, climate change, and the ever changing environment in general. Natural and man-made disasters result in economic as environmental losses which place a need for systematic approach to management of risks.The purpose of the Msunduzi Disaster Risk Management Plan (DRMP) is to document the institutional arrangements for disaster management planning which includes the assignment of primary and secondary responsibilities for priority disaster risks posing a threat in the Msunduzi. It further provides the broad framework within which the disaster risk management planning requirements of the Act will be implemented by the departments and other entities included in the organisational structure of the Msunduzi. It establishes the operational procedures to be implemented in the event of a disaster occurring or threating to occur in councils area. It aims to facilitate an integrated and coordinated approach to disaster management in the municipality which will ensure that the Msunduzi achieves its vision for disaster risk management which is to build a resilient societies in the Msunduzi who are alert, informed and self-reliant by establishing risk reduction and resilience building as core principles, and developing adequate capabilities for readiness, effective and rapid, response and recovery. Lastly the plan established contingency measures in the form of specific and generic contingency plans in the line with the indicative risk profile of the municipality and to ensure a coordinated approach to disaster response.

• Start year:
• Type: Strategy / Policy
• Status: Completed

The Msunduzi Municipality have embarked on a path towards more sustainable development and city management. A key component of this is the creation of an enabling and educational framework to assist players in the urban environment in the development and management of ‘green’ buildings. Green buildings are those that are resource efficient, benefit their occupants and contribute positively to the environment and their communities. Green buildings are the result of numerous processes, methods and technologies coming together at once. They inherently involve multiple stakeholders, interests and areas of expertise. The aim of these guidelines is to provide an easy to use reference document for the municipality and
building professionals and users. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to address the key issues that offer the most widespread benefits in terms of operating costs, user amenity and the environment. Ultimately, this set of Green Building Guidelines is one of the tools needed and available to achieve better buildings and better spaces for people to live, work and play – to restore and enhance the environment, society and the economy.

• Start year:
• Type: Policy/Strategies/Action Plans
• Status: Completed

it is essential for cities to adapt to climate change impacts and ensure that mitigation measures are identified which would contribute to reduction of GHG and the overall carbon footprint of the city.The Msunduzi's Strategic Environmental Assessment states that strategies and adaptation plans need to be investigated and implemented in order to ensure that natural resources are conserved and utilised in a sustainable manner.It is essential that all sectors / spheres of government are involved in climate change planning and policy development in order to ensure that mitigation and adaptation is incorporated into all future municipal policies, response strategies and plans. The Climate Change Policy seeks to unpack core issues (biodiversity, ecosystems and sensitive natural environments, water resources particularly water availability, quality and quantity, Impacts on food provision and agricultural sustainability, Impacts on human health due to temperature extremes and prevalence / occurrence of vector borne diseases, Impacts on storm water infrastructure and other infrastructure located in areas of flood potential, Waste management, Increased energy utilisation and impacts on electricity infrastructure, Impacts on the transportation sector and infrastructure) and suggests adaptation and mitigation measures in greater detail, to be implemented (i.e. each adaptation and mitigation option would be case / site specific) which would contribute to the reduction of climate change related impacts on each of the sectors mentioned above

• Start year:
• Type: Action plan
• Status: Planning phase

The kerbside recycling project provides residents with an easy and convenient way to recycle household waste and will soon be expanded throughout the Municipality. The initiative began as a pilot programme in 2009 in only three wards. In addition to curbing illegal dump sites, the project will save the municipality costs incurred through the collection of waste. Moreover, if successful, the programme will delay the need for a new landfill site. The currently used New England Road landfill site only has approximately four years left. Currently the Chase Valley area, including Clarendon, Wembley, Blackridge and Boughton are involved in the Kerbside recycling project.