Early this week, the Mayor of Matatiele Local Municipality Cllr Sonwabile Mngenela, joined by members of the Executive Committee and Management embarked on a programme called “Project Visits” in Ward 19. The main purpose of this programme was to monitor the progress of two projects that are currently underway. During the State of the Municipality Address and the Budget Speech held at Ha Nchodu Village in Ward 8, the Mayor pronounced that the Municipality will, in this current financial year (2022 / 2023) reinforce existing streets lights in Matatiele town by installing 250 streets lights in Wards 19 and 20, this project will be rolled – out in phases.
“We are happy that installation of street lights is underway, a project that will improve pedestrian visibility and personal security and improve safety by allowing pedestrians and motorists to see each other at night. This life-changing project will further contribute to the fight against crime, as many criminal activities happen at night”, said Mayor Mngenela.
This project has employed more than 20 local people.
Furthermore, the delegation also took a walk about in and around town to assess the damage caused by recent heavy remains, which has affected the drainage system and the fast outgrowing of grass. In response to this cry, the Municipality has employed 63 people for a period of a year from 19 wards (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25 and 27) to ensure that the issue of non-grass cutting is addressed and the town is environmentally friendly for all citizens and visitors respectively.
The Municipality is also busy with the rehabilitation of internal streets – 6.5KM at high street wherein 24 local people are employed for the duration of the project which will take 8 months, the project consists of overlay, kerbing, and channeling concrete drains, and road marking. More internal streets which include long street, and railway street will also be attended to. Commuters, pedestrians, and shop owners are urged to cooperate with the Municipality during these projects as they affect the temporary closure of streets during the day.
