New Indwe road to change lives

ROAD and public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu officially launched the construction of a R200-million 13.4km road from Indwe to Lady Frere yesterday.

The road will be tarred and upgraded into “class three”, meaning it will be a linking road with less traffic volumes.

The road starts from the R56 just outside Indwe to Lady Frere and covers the road to Elitheni Coal Mine.

The tarring project started last year in September and is expected to be finished in September next year.

Marawu, speaking during the sod-turning at Guba village yesterday, said the road would address the needs of thousands of people in rural towns.

“We expect that from a child from the furthest ward to an indigent grandfather, all can use this road to access health facilities and be able to go to the nearest economic hub without any hindrance,” she said.

“The construction of this road will also make it possible for 30% of its contractors to benefit under the government’s black economic empowerment tender procedures.” Marawu said more than R200-million had been set aside for the project.

Of that, more than R37-million would go towards local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), and R15-million towards labour.

“The road will provide access in all weather conditions to several clinics and schools in the area. We should protect and guard this road and not allow it to fall victim to neglect, vandalism, corruption and theft,” she said.

The MEC said unemployed locals would be employed in the project, helping to put food on their tables.

Emalahleni municipality mayor Nomveliso Nyukwana said the road would help attract investors to the area and would provide easy access to the coal mine.

“More than 1 000 people will benefit from the project. The town will grow and it is up to the people of ward 16 to protect the services received,” she said.

Guba land trust spokesman Ntsikelelo Kibi said the road would be beneficial to the coal mine and other projects in the area. —