All roads (now) lead to Margate
The road at the Sasol intersection collapsed after the floods in April this year and there was some concern that this would disrupt holiday traffic.
With the clock ticking ahead of the expected influx of festive season holidaymakers, an extraordinary and concerted effort to fix the flood damaged entrance to Margate saw the repair completed just in time to welcome visitors.
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The road at the Sasol intersection collapsed after the floods in April this year and there was some concern that this would disrupt holiday traffic as the threat to motorists and pedestrians had forced authorities to block off this section of road.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), the Margate Ratepayers’ and Residents’ Association (MRRA) and the Margate Business Association (MBA) joined forces to put pressure on the Department of Transport (DOT) to rehabilitate the road in time for the Christmas and New Year festivities.
This brilliant team effort saw all hands on deck to get the work done in time.
RNM manager, Max Mbili, together with mayor Cynthia Mqwebu and representatives from the MBA and MRRA officially opened the road on Tuesday this week, eight long months after the floods.
Speaking on behalf of the MBA, Jo-Anne Wentzel said they were thankful to the DOT and RNM who stepped up and fixed the road.
“The floods left us with huge problems as this affected our businesses and tourism in our area.
“Although it was a long wait, the repair work was done very quickly and we are really grateful.”
Motorists passing during the opening ceremony hooted their approval, with one commenting,”Finally! The traffic was madness.
“Although I feel it should have been done months ago, we are grateful for those who made enough ‘noise’ to get it fixed.”
Mr Mbili said he was pleased that RNM had been able to keep its promise to ensure that the DOT repaired the road in time for the season, adding he was sure that with the municipality working closely with the ratepayers’ association and MBA, Margate could become great again.
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