Durban — The mayor of uMhlathuze Municipality, Xolani Ngwezi, said they are investing R12 million in fixing road infrastructure around the municipality, especially in areas under the traditional leadership.
Ngwezi was speaking at a business breakfast on Tuesday with Zulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini at the Bon Hotel on the Waterfront in Richards Bay.
Ngwezi said R12m had been set aside for fixing roads, road infrastructure and robots under the uMhlathuze Municipality. He said they have challenged all industries in the city to each identify and adopt a 1km stretch of gravel or dusty road under tribal authority.
“We want companies to nominate a road under tribal authority and asphalt of 1km will be placed on each road that would have been nominated by the industry. We will also be resealing roads that are under us and we want to implement semi-tar in the lands of the kings. Already we have set aside R12m for such projects, starting at Inkosi Zungu,” said Ngwezi.
He said they were working in partnership with the private sector. Speaking about the water challenge the municipality continues to face, he said the provision of water has been a challenge, especially in the eSikhaleni area that consists of 15 wards and areas led by traditional leaders.
He said they inherited a dysfunctional system infested with historical protests.
“Despite numerous sabotage incidences, we continue to provide clean running water to the citizens of eSikhaleni and other areas of amakhosi.
“I am quite happy to report that in a few weeks to come, we will be lifting water restrictions as we have upgraded Lake Cubhu. Most important is the completion of a 15-megalitre package plant, which will see our people of uMhlathuze getting clean running water day and night,” said Ngwezi.
Daily News