Exciting developments will reshape Harding
The renewal framework plan will assist in tackling a number of issues, including traffic control measures.
BUSINESS owners, traditional leaders and farmers in and around Harding left last week’s breakfast meeting themed ‘Reshape, revitalise and regenerate’ at the Umuziwabantu Municipality with renewed hope.
The vision is for the area to be a preferred destination with superior, sustainable service delivery with the mission statement of creating an environment that will boost investor confidence by providing strong decisive leadership to create jobs and improve the quality of life.
A short, medium and long-term plan for the urban renewal framework aims to revitalise semi-rural towns, encourage private sector confidence and promote a clean environment and town.
The plan further aims to solve informal trading issues and identify economic development opportunities, as well as infrastructure constraints which include roads, street lights and waste management.
Other subjects under discussion are management of traffic and transportation and environment controls such as cattle grazing in and around town.
A proposed sports precinct will mean relocating the current sports field to Capstone Street between the Harding Country Club and Greenfields.
Construction of a new taxi rank is encouraged and another aim is to identify a site for market stalls and workshops on the corner of Musgrave and Livingstone Streets.
Under infrastructure developments, current road projects are construction of Galloway and part of Shepstone Street. A consultant and contractor have been appointed to rehabilitate Hawkins Street, the stormwater drains and access to bordering properties. Future projects for the next two to three years include construction of Phillip and Kirk Streets.
The informal trader square site has been identified and a register of informal traders has been compiled and finalised, which will eradicate illegal trading.
Other municipal projects under way are the phase 2 Kwajali rural housing construction of 1 000 units and the KwaMachi phase 2 rural housing housing project (a total of 6 000 units).
Access road projects include the ward 9 Bhudlu access road and bridge, the ward 6 Ntshangwe to Eringini access road and the ward 5 Mzukelwa to Ngunjini access road and bridge.
Community facilities include the ward 5 Sunrise community hall, ward 10 Phumza community hall (handover has been completed) and the ward 4 Ocingweni sports field.
Current electricity infills for wards 4, 6 and 10: To date 620 connections have been made and high masts will be installed for ward 4.
The community services directorate has resumed with the revitalisation of municipal buildings and a meeting will be held with property owners.
Appointment for the construction of the new municipal office is in progress. This development will be a mixed-user precinct, which will include other potential sector departments.
Land has been identified for the construction of an animal pound. The municipality will develop a by-law and liaise with the nearest licensed animal pound for assistance in the interim.
Installation of cameras in the Harding CBD will ensure the safety and security of Umuziwabantu citizens. The municipality will employ three people for emergency services, protection services, electricity and disaster management.
The renewal framework plan is available for review at the technical offices in 7 Holman Street. Support of both the business sector and local government will ensure achievement of the Umuziwabantu Municipality’s vision.
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