Questions raised over funding for road upgrade
Mqadi further told residents that the damage caused to roads by the recent torrential downpours is estimated at R1 billion.
Earlier this year, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) received R38 million for the upgrade of Nelson Mandela Drive and R54 million for the rehabilitation of Main Harding Road from the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Grant from National Treasury.
RNM mayor Sikhumbuzo Zero Mqadi had confirmed this at a media briefing at the RNM council chambers in February.
However, at a budget roadshow in the Merlewood community hall last week, Mqadi told Cluster 6 residents that instead R17 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of Nelson Mandela Drive, and that R29 million has been allocated to upgrade Main Harding Road.
Comment as to the reason Mqadi gave the media figures that are different to the ones he gave to Cluster 6 residents on the rehabilitation of the roads, was not received at the time of going to press.
Speaking to residents of Ward 4, 17, 18 and 20 under Cluster 6, Mqadi said deteriorating roads in RNM will cause conflict between the residents and the municipality.
Mqadi further told residents that the damage caused to roads by the recent torrential downpours is estimated at R1 billion.
He also added that because the municipality understands the dire state of the roads, it plans to host a road network summit on June 22 and 23.
“The issue of roads seems to pose a serious challenge since some roads are the responsibility of the Department of Transport. That is why for the summit, we have invited the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Peggy Nkonyeni, the MEC for KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Sipho Hlomuka, and the MEC for the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ravi Pillay,” said Mqadi.
He said the municipality has invited these stakeholders so that there can be a collaborative approach when dealing with the issue of roads.
Meanwhile, Mqadi said during the recent floods, over 1 212 homes in RNM were either damaged or destroyed. He added that 204 of those houses were completely destroyed.
“Some R48 million has been set aside to renovate the houses that were partially destroyed and R32 million for the homes that were completely destroyed, said Mqadi.”
Damage to electricity infrastructure is estimated at R10 million and beach infrastructure at R5 million.
He added that the installation of electricity for Ward 20 residents will cost the municipality over R1 million.
Also, the construction of the Ngwabe pedestrian bridge in Ward 20 will cost over R2 million.
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