MIDDELBURG – The unveiling of a R7.4 million road project signals a new era of hope for Newtown residents.
Sonto Zulu expressed her relief, noting that with the absence of taxis, she can now swiftly order e-hailing services to reach her destination. Additionally, she highlighted that the road will facilitate access to ambulance and police services.
“This is a significant improvement as residents previously had to walk to the main road to catch ambulances or police,” she remarked.
The 830-meter road, to be constructed by the Nkangala District Municipality over a period of 5 months in ward 17 in Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, is expected to benefit 8,350 households in the area.
The sod turning ceremony, held on 25 March 2024, marked the commencement of the project, which will create employment for 31 locals and engage 3 subcontractors with CIDB grade 1, each receiving a 30% share of the project’s total value.
Community Liaison Officer (CLO), Morame Mokgoatsane, and the main contractor, Jasino General Services, were introduced to the community as part of the project’s initiation.
Nkangala District Mayor Thomas Ngwenya urged against the destruction of public infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with the main contractor to leverage work and business opportunities. “We humbly request that you collaborate with the main contractor, as you have expressed your desire for work and business opportunities,” he said. “As the road nears completion, I appeal to you not to permit anyone to vandalize or obstruct it,” he urged. The project will include the upgrading of 830 meters of internal streets from gravel to tar, installation of a 714-meter stormwater network system, kerbs, speed humps, and road markings.
