Road interchange on R40 approved
Maruleng Local Municipality (MLM) has accepted a proposal by Sanral to construct the Hoedspruit interchange on the R40 and the R527 four-way stop. The development is earmarked to start in March 2023 and consultation with all the major stakeholders is almost at an end.
This was revealed during the MLM’s IDP budget presented on Thursday, May 26. “The development could not have come at a better time. “The municipality was about to deal with the issues relating to the informal settlement at Plastic View,” said MLM mayor, Tsheko Musolwa.
He said the informal settlement has presented the MLM with challenges as most of the residents in Plastic View are informal traders whilst others provide labour in and around Hoedspruit.
“This has led to the council to rescind its decision to sell land donated to it by Transnet and public works.” He said the implication is two-fold. It allows for a standby intervention in the case the land development at the much talked about Portion 39 is stalled or delayed.” Musolwa also referred to the development of Portion 39. He said the development is a reality and MDM is engaging with the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) to speed up the process.
Once ready, they will develop a mixed-use development that will cater to different accommodation needs ranging from basic units for low or no income earners to a luxurious settlement for revenue generation to allow for a sustainable model that will increase the durability of the structures and longevity of the settlement. “The engagements were at times long and hard but are the most important component of our democracy,” he said.
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“We are presenting to council a consolidated funded budget of a projected R426 million.” Of the R426 million, the municipality has allocated R1,5 million to free basic electricity, R500 000 has been allocated for parks and garden maintenance, and R2,5 million for road and bridge maintenance. R16,2 million is for security services. Municipal tariffs for services will increase by 3,90% in 2022 and 4,80% in 2023.
Musolwa said engagements with the Department of Public Enterprises to afford the Hoedspruit Airport international status are well underway. “This is done in collaboration with the Department of Transport and the business interests at the airport.” He said MLM will provide technical support to roleplayers from the airport project. The mayor said the council identified a need to reduce the number of road fatalities on the R36 and D21 by removing the livestock.
“After a process of public participation, the council has decided to postpone the action to allow ourselves to evaluate the cashflow projections coming out of this practice versus the legal framework accompanying the initiative. “We will in the future interact with the Department of Agriculture to source their expertise and advice guided by their experience, intent, and purpose,” he concluded.
