Nkomazi budget focuses mainly on service delivery

SCHOEMANSDAL – The Nkomazi Local Municipality remains committed to completing upgrades undertaken on water services infrastructure and roads, as well as fighting crime.

This came to light on Monday June 30, during the tabling of the state of the municipality address held at the Schoemansdal Community Hall.

According to the executive mayor of Nkomazi, Ms Thulisile Khoza, despite unforeseen delays due to heavy rain in November and December 2013, operations are progressing and at different advanced stages.

She furthermore announced that there were other road projects such as the Langeloop Bus Route, and the Komatipoort Suid Dorp Road Project which have been completed.

They are also confident that all the remaining projects will be completed soon.

“The Komatipoort Suid Dorp, Mafambisa, Kamhlushwa East-Gate, Driekoppies and Boschfontein roads projects have commenced and are at different stages of implementation. I am informed that there were slight delays in the implementation of some due to the heavy rain that we experienced in the months of November and December 2013. It has been reported, however, that everything is back to normal and that the projects are progressing well. We anticipate that they should be completed soon.”

Khoza announced the commencement of a R7,5 million community hall in Jeppes Reef, which is expected to be completed in the current financial year.

Water infrastructure upgrades amounting to R62,7 million are also expected to be finalised in this financial term.

“The R10,7 million Shongwe Hospital Bulk Water Supply Upgrade has also commended, along with the R37 million Masibekela water treatment works phase two project, as well as the R15 million Hhoyi reticulation, reservoir and elevated tank. We anticipate that upon completion, the beneficiary communities in those areas will benefit from the improved water services and quality of life,” said Khoza.

She furthermore announced the municipality’s commitment towards addressing the challenges faced by Malalane, regarding trucks.

“We remain committed to the mitigation of some of the challenges that are still plaguing our urban communities. In this regard I will point out that we are working with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure the eradication of the challenges caused by trucks along Impala Street. We would like to emphasise in this regard that as we continue to engage our stakeholders, our main goal is to ensure the establishment of a proper truck stop in Malalane. We believe that such as facility will ensure that the fledging trucking business that runs through our town due to the Maputo Development Corridor initiatives, becomes a benefit rather than a curse to the community.”

Khoza also announced plans to introduce proper market facilities for Komatipoort.

“We remain equally concerned about the unsightly situation caused by the sprawling flee market at the centre of the town. We are currently working with stakeholders to find a sustainable solution which we believe will include proper market facilities and a suitable taxi rank.” Khoza appealed to Marltoh Park residents to assist the municipality in standing against unapproved buildings which continue to pose a challenge.

“The growing challenge of buildings and lodges in Marltoh Park that are developed in contravention of our town planning scheme, is another matter that requires our attention. Marloth Park is a proud and reputable nature conservation area which falls directly under our area of responsibility. As municipal authority we would like to keep the facility pristine and complaint with the approved town planning by-laws and regulations. Accordingly we would like to request all our stakeholders in the park to work with us and desist from building unapproved structures, as well as other practices that may hamper the protection of the natural species and environment in the park. From our part we will increase law enforcement and monitoring to ensure compliance with the law.”

Khoza reported that the municipality was in the process of addressing the issue of crime in the Hectorspruit community.

“A specific request was made that the current SAPS canine unit in town be converted into a full police station. I can report that as a municipality we fully support the community on this matter. We are currently engaging the SAPS leadership in the province to solicit their support for the community request. We remain confident that the plight of the Hectorspruit community will be responded positively,” explained Khoza.