For years, the only way for residents of Fairleigh, Fernwood, Lennoxton, Surayaville, Siyahlala-la and Paradise, was through the Central Business District to get to the N11.
The introduction of the extension to Link Road has cut this out completely. According to Porfolio Councillor of Economic Development, Matthew Shunmugam, other than easing up traffic congestion, the new road has opened up vast areas of development for Newcastle.
“A development plan is currently being developed, which will open up new residential and business areas for the town, as the road has provided access to previously unusable land.”
The 1.5-Km stretch of road has come with sidewalks and speed-bumps, to ensure the safety of pedestrians and to discourage motorists from misusing the road.
Mayor, Afzul Rehman, explained the municipality had heard the people’s call for the road, and delivered on its promise to provide this service. “Other than growth, the road, has also inflated the values of property in the area, making sure that the Fairleigh residents see a huge benefit from its development.”
Newcastle Municipal Manager, Kebone Masange, believed projects such as this was testament to Newcastle’s move forward. “Stagnancy is not in our DNA. If you can think back to 1997, you can testify Newcastle is a better place to live in now than during those times,” he said. Mr Masange joked the road would mean residents would not have to worry about traffic officers in town if they had to travel in that direction.
A second phase of the road will still be developed. This phase will take Link Road and join it to the N11. In the future, a new suburb or commercial hub may spring up in the area, but for now the new road is a blessing to many.
