The T19 Road construction project, which connects Phuthi to Ntabankulu, has faced a temporary shutdown for over a week due to unresolved issues between stakeholders, prompting urgent intervention by municipal leadership and the Eastern Cape Department of Transport.
Today, the Mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Cllr P.T. Sobuthongo, and the Mayor of Umzimvubu Local Municipality, Cllr Z. Ndevu, met with members of the business forum and the local taxi association to mediate the conflict and restart the critical infrastructure project.
The meeting, held at the site in Ntabankulu, comes amid growing concern over the interruption of a road seen as vital to regional economic development and connectivity. Both mayors emphasized the need for collaborative dialogue and lawful processes in addressing grievances.
“The closure of sites is illegal. Stakeholders must exhaust internal mechanisms, especially since they are active participants in the project structures,” said Mayor Sobuthongo during her opening remarks.
The T19 project has been at a standstill due to disputes believed to stem from disagreements over subcontracting and economic participation. The impasse has disrupted progress, placing local job opportunities and community mobility at risk.
The joint leadership reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the resumption of construction and called on all involved parties to work within the established channels of engagement.
As the dialogue continues, both municipalities and the Department of Transport are optimistic that a peaceful and practical resolution will be reached to allow the project to proceed without further delay.
