Umzimvubu Local Municipality has embarked on a significant infrastructure development project, upgrad ing the access road from Bhakaleni to Sekileni. The project, which is expected to be completed by December, aims to improve the lives of residents in Mtshazi Community, Ward 19, and Magxeni locality, KwaBhaca.
Speaking on behalf of Cllr Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu, Cllr Garhane said, “The way I see it, the project had a 15 month goal set for completion, but it’s progressing at a fast pace and might complete sooner. I am happy that the road is already 60% complete, and the project has employed 36 people, including 25 youth who were trained in health and safety for Magxeni and Mtshazi. This development has upskilled the locals,” said Cllr Garhane. She added, “We might not be performing at the fast pace desirable to locals due to budget con straints, but we are doing our best, and the community is happy with the project.
Cllr Sobhayi, Ward Councillor for Ward 19, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, stating that it is currently 60% complete.
“The community is happy, and the contractor is on schedule. We would be delighted if the project is completed before the heavy rain season,” he said.
Our community has seen it all, including a time when community members had to cross a river with a coffin due to the lack of proper bridges and roads. This devel opment, brought by Umzimvubu Local Municipality, will provide necessary and much-needed help to this community.”
The project, valued at approximately R14 million, in cludes the construction of an 8km-long road a concrete slab and a bridge. Cllr Sobhayi highlighted the munici pality’s commitment to upskilling the unemployed, noting that 36 people, including 25 youth, have been employed and trained in health and safety.
“The project has brought much-needed relief to our community,” said Mr. Ntlanga, a local resident and chairperson of the steering committee. “We will now have easier access to town, hospitals, and schools.”
Cllr Sobhayi emphasized the municipality’s efforts to address the community’s historical challenges, including the lack of access to proper roads and bridges. “Our community has seen it all, including coffins being car ried across rivers. This development will bring neces sary help to our community.”
The municipality has also initiated training programs to produce safety officers, providing beneficiaries with certificates to enhance their employability.
