Residents must give support to Empangeni revitalisation plan

THE announcement last week of a multi-million rand upgrade of Empangeni has been warmly welcomed, especially by the residents and business owners of the town.

Ever since Richards Bay grew as a mighty industrial hub when the port was established in the 1970s, becoming the city’s and region’s focus, Empangeni citizens have felt increasingly neglected.

Indeed, one has seen the town grow progressively shabbier and less attractive to potential investors.

It has also become somewhat a haven for criminals as was acknowledged by Mayor Ngwezi when he announced the R67m upgrade on the 63rd anniversary of Empangeni having been declared a municipality.

A number of meaningful projects were announced, aimed at driving the economy, not merely a superficial facelift for the town which has unique characteristics as the shopping and commercial hub of the

City of uMhlathuze.

The town is flooded daily by tens of thousands of bus and taxi commuters from outlying areas.

This has a number of ramifications, one of which is that the needs of these many people in terms of ablution facilities must be catered for – and will be with three such communal facilities in the plans.

They also need inexpensive sustenance, and it is heartening that no fewer than 101 informal trading stalls will be built, thus also bolstering income generation.

On that score, support for SMMEs is also applauded.

Revamping of the extremely important Rail precinct was promised years ago, and at last this will come to fruition.

And, while cynics might say this is mere electioneering ahead of next year’s polls, the fact is that contractors have already been selected and announced, showing clear intent.

Business and property owners can add momentum to the city’s efforts by also ensuring they keep their own places as neat and attractive as possible.