New Uitenhage link road finally opened
A NEW major road link between KwaNobuhle and Uitenhage, with a price tag of nearly R22-million, was officially opened yesterday after months of delays.
At just over 1km in length, the Magennis Street carriageway which runs between Mel Brookes Avenue and Algoa Road in Uitenhage is part of the overall Integrated Public Transport System.
The mayoral committee member for roads and transport, councillor Rano Kayser, said the new road – which took more than six months to complete and is made of concrete – was a major route for people, taxis and trucks getting from KwaNobuhle to the Uitenhage CBD.
Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip officially opened the road.
Included in the upgrade were improvements to the underground infrastructure, a pavement to cater for safety concerns for Innes Primary School pupils, and a traffic circle at the intersection of Magennis and Mitchell streets.
“This is the first step in rebeautifying Uitenhage to be the Garden Town again,” Trollip said.
He also handed over the keys of five four-ton Hino vehicles, costing a total R2.5-million, to be used for service delivery in Uitenhage and Despatch.
“These vehicles will service the community in addressing issues related to potholes, road markings, maintenance, stormwater drainage-related problems and the like,” he said.
Acting roads and stormwater director Siphiwo Majali said the vehicles would allow a quicker turnaround time in addressing service delivery issues.
“A further five vehicles have been budgeted for, including two seven-ton and three four-ton trucks, to help alleviate the backlog in service delivery concerns,” he said.