The eThekwini Municipality has been using normal road marking paint on several roads instead of thermoplastic road marking paint due to budget constraints. This has led to markings fading rapidly after application.
eThekwini Municipality budget cuts have impacted the spending on thermoplastic road marking paint, leading to markings fading rapidly after application with normal paint along the busy roads.
Jacque Poupard, eThekwini DA PR Councillor, raised concerns about the municipality spending less money on thermoplastic road marking paint, which was the standard requirement.
Poupard’s enquiry into road markings was motivated by the rapid, short service life of road markings evident on the municipality's roads.
In March 2026, he raised concerns with the eThekwini Human Settlements, Engineering and Transport Committee that many road markings — including lane demarcations, directional arrows and pedestrian crossings — appear to lose visibility and deteriorate shortly after application.
