P166 bypass through White River approved

The P166 bypass through White River has been approved.

The Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) issued a statement on its website on Tuesday August 29, saying that the bypass has passed all appeal processes and will definitely go through as per the alignment past Colts Hill in White River.

Lowvelder had previously reported in September last year that the proposed high-speed mobility route will bypass several settlements and towns like Rocky Drift and Maggiesdal, and essentially connect the R538 at the Casterbridge traffic circle with the Mbombela/Mashishing roundabout at Riverside in Mbombela.

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The issue is that it will cut through wetlands and essentially divide the town in half.
The decision has been posted on the KLCBT’s website, as well as a map of the area where the bypass will be constructed.

According to the appeal document, the decision was made final by the minister of forestry, fisheries and the environment, Barbara Creecy, on April 1 this year.

The KLCBT said in its statement that unless the residents can find an objection not previously introduced, and are prepared to go to the high court, this will continue.

“According to public information, many of the properties on this route have been bought out and paid for already,” it said.