As far as access to services is concerned, in 2001 electricity for lighting was available to 80% of households, while 16% were still using candles, and 3% paraffin In 1996, the picture was substantially different with electricity for lighting available to less then half of households, with almost 40% using candles, and 6% paraffin. The map shows households dominant energy source for lighting for electricity in yellow, and candles in light orange.

In 2001, 70% of households had piped water in dwelling or yard, and 24% accessed piped water from a community stand. Just over half the households in Durban (51%) had a tap inside the dwelling. In 1996, less then 50% of household had piped water inside the dwelling or yard, only a third of household has tap water inside the dwelling. The map shows the percentage of households with access to piped water, the regions in light blue illustrate areas with less then 20% of households having access to piped water.

In 2001, 4% of households had no toilet facilities, almost 70% of households had a flush or chemical toilet. This compared with 1996, where 16% of households had no toilet facilities, and 33% of households a flush or chemical toilet. The map shows percentage households without improved toilet facilities including pit latrines with and without ventilation, bucket latrine and those with no facilities. Areas marked in dark red show that the majority of these households (over 70%) have no flush or chemical toilet.

The majority of households in eThekwini (86%) had municipal refuse removal in 2001, with just under 2% of households having no refuse removal at all, and 12% using their own or communal refuse dumps. In 1996, 11% of households had no rubbish removal and almost 40% of households serviced by municipal refuse removal. The map shows areas where less then 20% of households have municipal refuse removal at least weekly in light purple.