eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Services — Complete Guide
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality covers the Durban metro area, including Durban, Pinetown, Umlazi, KwaMashu, and surrounding areas. As KwaZulu-Natal's largest municipality, eThekwini provides electricity, water and sanitation, refuse removal, and rates services to over 3.9 million residents. This guide covers key contacts, the e-services portal, and how to access municipal services.
eThekwini Key Contact Details
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| eThekwini Contact Centre (general) | 080 131 3111 |
| Electricity faults (24/7) | 031 311 9111 |
| Water and sanitation faults (24/7) | 080 131 3111 |
| Emergency (fire, ambulance) | 031 361 0000 or 10177 |
| e-Services portal | durban.gov.za |
| Accounts and billing | 080 131 3111 |
Electricity Services
- eThekwini operates its own electricity distribution network (Durban Electricity).
- Report power outages on 031 311 9111 (24/7).
- Prepaid electricity is available at retailers, ATMs, banking apps, and USSD codes.
- New connection applications are processed at eThekwini customer service centres in Durban CBD, Pinetown, KwaMashu, and other areas.
- Illegal electricity connections are a major problem — report them anonymously on 080 131 3111.
Water and Sanitation
- Report water leaks, burst mains, and sewage blockages on 080 131 3111.
- Free basic water (6 kl per month) for registered indigent households.
- Water accounts are billed on a stepped tariff — the more you use, the more you pay per kilolitre.
- Water restriction notices are issued on durban.gov.za and KZN media.
- Submit meter readings online at durban.gov.za to avoid estimated billing.
Rates and Municipal Account Management
- View and pay your account online at durban.gov.za (e-services portal).
- Pay via EFT using your account number as reference, at any major bank, at Pick n Pay, or at an eThekwini cashier.
- For billing disputes: contact 080 131 3111 and log a formal query — get a reference number.
- Rates clearance certificates for property transfers are applied for at the Revenue department.
Indigent Register
eThekwini provides a Social Package for registered indigent households, including free basic electricity (50 kWh per month), free water (6 kl), free refuse removal, and a rates rebate.
Register at any eThekwini customer service centre. Required documents: South African ID, proof of residence, and proof of household income (payslips, pension letter, or affidavit). Income must be below the municipal threshold.