LIMPOPO – Most of the work on the Hlomela paving project has been completed, according to a progress report presented by Greater Giyani Mayor Thandi Zitha during a National Council of Provinces (NCOP) briefing in Tzaneen on Tuesday, August 18.

The event, with the theme of confronting the challenges facing the timely delivery of viable public infrastructure to communities as well as building viable municipalities for enhanced delivery of basic services, was aimed at obtaining updates on issues raised during previous NCOP site visits to municipalities across the Mopani district.

The briefing brought together mayors from across the region and representatives of various sector departments. Zitha was among the mayors who provided updates on service delivery challenges, infrastructure projects and plans to improve basic services in their respective municipalities.

Ward 19 project reaches completion

In her presentation, Zitha reported that the 2.6km internal streets paving project in Ward 19, Hlomela village, had been completed.

The project involved upgrading gravel roads to paved streets using interlocking paving bricks and formed part of the projects inspected during a previous NCOP site visit to the municipality.

According to the municipality, construction began in April 2024 and was completed in June 2025 at a total cost of R27.5m. Of this amount, R20.8m was allocated through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), with the municipality also listing the Local Government Equitable Share (LGES) among the funding sources.

The municipality reported 100% physical and financial progress.

Scope of the upgrade

The work included upgrading the 2.6km road from gravel to 80mm interlocking paving blocks, as well as constructing stormwater drainage facilities, speed humps, kerbing, road markings and road signs.

Workmanship issues and canal repairs addressed

The report also states that poor workmanship identified during the previous NCOP site visit had been addressed, with remedial work completed. It further indicates that canals had been compacted and fenced, while safety hazard signage had been installed.

Canals identified as being at risk of collapsing were repaired, and protective barriers were erected along the waterways to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries involving residents and livestock.

Maintenance remains key

The municipality’s latest update indicates that the project has reached completion, although continued maintenance of the infrastructure will still be required to ensure that the improvements suggested by NCOP are sustained.