New contractor begins work on Albert Luthuli Drive in eMbalenhle
The first phase now focuses on Albert Luthuli Drive, funded through the council’s own budget. The Alan Makhunga Road will be considered in the next financial year.
A new contractor has begun work on Albert Luthuli Drive in eMbalenhle, raising hopes among residents and motorists after years of frustration due to delays and failed projects.
This development follows the termination of two previous contractors by the Govan Mbeki Municipality due to poor performance. Despite being funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the road had remained in poor condition, with no visible progress over the past two years.
The first contractor was appointed in 2022 to rehabilitate both Albert Luthuli and Alan Makhunga roads but was dismissed for failing to meet expectations. A second contractor, appointed in 2023, was also terminated for underperformance.
According to Executive Mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma, the projects were initially funded by the MIG, which has since been withdrawn due to consistent underperformance by service providers.
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He stated that the first phase now focuses on Albert Luthuli Drive, funded through the council’s own budget. The Alan Makhunga Road will be considered in the next financial year.
Motorists and residents have expressed frustration with the prolonged delays and deteriorating road conditions.
“We are tired of this municipality. This road has damaged my car, but I have no other choice but to use it daily. We hope the new contractor finishes the job without being terminated.
“The problem is the municipality keeps hiring incompetent service providers, often chosen through political influence rather than merit,” said one motorist.
Concerns about municipal inefficiency and political interference were echoed by contractors during a meeting with Zuma last year at the Lillian Ngoyi Centre in Secunda.
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Several contractors alleged that politicians and officials frequently demand bribes, mismanage funds, and interfere in procurement processes.
In response, Zuma acknowledged that the municipality is obligated to report non-performing companies to the National Treasury for blacklisting.
“While companies terminated for poor performance should be reported, doing so for those whose contracts ended by mutual agreement might be too harsh,” said Zuma.
As work resumes on Albert Luthuli Drive, the community watches with cautious optimism, hoping this marks a turning point in the long-delayed infrastructure project.
