Albert Luthuli Drive rehabilitation brings relief to eMbalenhle motorists
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has finally appointed a competent contractor who has completed the long-awaited project, bringing relief to road users. This milestone comes after two previous contractors failed to deliver.
eMBALENHLE – Motorists and community members in eMbalenhle are celebrating the rehabilitation of Albert Luthuli Drive, following years of delays and failed attempts.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) has finally appointed a competent contractor who has completed the long-awaited project, bringing relief to road users.
This milestone comes after two previous contractors failed to deliver, and the municipality terminated their contracts for poor performance. Despite the project being funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), there was no visible progress for nearly two years.
The first contractor, appointed in 2022, was tasked with rehabilitating both Albert Luthuli Drive and Alan Makhunga Road, but the municipality dismissed the contractor for failing to meet expectations. A second contractor, appointed in 2023, was also dismissed for underperformance.
According to GMM executive mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma, the MIG funding was eventually withdrawn due to the consistent underperformance of the service providers.
The municipality then redirected funds from its own budget to complete the first phase of the project, focusing on Albert Luthuli Drive. Residents and motorists had long expressed frustration over the prolonged delays and deteriorating road conditions.
Zuma assured residents that the completion of Albert Luthuli Drive reflects the results the municipality expects from its service providers.
“Not so long from now, we will begin rehabilitating either Alan Makhunga or Umphafa roads. The work will be done in phases, although we have not yet decided which one will be first,” Zuma said.
Zuma added that the municipality also plans to repair the Sijongile Ndamase Community Hall and will ensure the appointment of competent contractors.
“We want future road projects to meet the same standard as Albert Luthuli Drive. If contractors do their work properly, there’s plenty of work to be done.
“It may take time due to funding shortages, but our priority is quality work that delivers real results,” Zuma emphasised.
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