Homes to be demolished to make way for new road

Homes and businesses will be removed and residents relocated as the City of uMhlathuze makes way for phase two of its road upgrade and expansion in eSikhaleni.

While the project was supposed to commence years ago, it was hindered by the devastating coronavirus pandemic, contractual disputes and government elections, a court order to demolish some structures built along Mdlebe Ntshona Road is still valid.

Residential blocks at the YMCA have been renovated to move affected families, while business containers will be relocated to an identified site along Nyezane Road.

However, according to the city, all other businesses that built on the municipal road servitude are illegal and must move of their own accord.

“There was a court instruction to demolish some structures, but it was just before the elections and the legal department did not go through with the execution of the decision,” said city communications manager Bongani Gina.

“It was also one here and one there, and it did not open any area for construction. The approach was to attend to all at once.”

The work is part of the city’s plan to expand eSikhaleni’s roads, and included the beautification of the main intersection, widening of the P535 which runs into the township, and the rehabilitation of Mdlebe Ntshona Road towards the Dube Tribal Authority.

The refurbishment of the south side of Mthombothi Road and the upgrade of the township’s monument was also part of the original plan.

 Motorists’ woes

The road expansion was set to provide comfort to thousands of motorists who spend hours in traffic jams at the intersection every day.

During various interviews with the ZO, motorists had voiced their concerns about the narrow roads which cause major traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon peak hours.

“Just driving into the township from the N2 now takes me more than 30 minutes to an hour. There are too many cars entering and exiting the township.

Traffic is always a nightmare and we are waiting for this extension because it will free the congestion,” said motorist Nozipho Sibiya.

The original approved budget for the work was R73 102 796.16, while expenditure up to termination is R56 601 236.49.

The new start-up amount after non-payment and Covid delays is R29 369 758.90.

As part of the upgrade, an ablution block next to the monument has been turned into the councillor’s office as well as an information and tourism centre by the city’s arts and culture department.

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