Diedericks Street gets much-needed TLC
The mayor confirmed that during the rehabilitation process of the drive, jobs will be created for eMalahleni residents, and local businesses will be supported.
The Emalahleni Local Municipality, led by Mayor Clr Vusi Nhlapho, has officially launched the rehabilitation project of Diedericks Street in the Central Business District.
On February 4, the mayor led a ceremonial soil turning, a standard procedure marking the start of major infrastructure projects.
“We have heard the residents’ complaints insofar as the road infrastructure is concerned, and we have initiated this project to respond to the issue of our roads in eMalahleni,” said Nhlapho.
During the funeral of the late Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, the government committed to renaming Diedericks Street in his honour.
Nhlapho confirmed that the municipality is currently engaging with the South African Geographical Names Change Council, with feedback expected within two months.
Nhlapho further confirmed that the project has been allocated R23m through the Neighbourhood Development Partnership Programme. To date, about R3m was spent.
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In response to how the project will benefit the residents of eMalahleni, Nhlapho noted that the project is anticipated to create 28 jobs for them, and he highlighted the urgency of addressing the municipality’s high unemployment rate.
“We are going to respond to the major challenge of unemployment as we’re sitting at 34%,” Nhlapho added.
He also confirmed that local businesses will be supported.
The rehabilitation is scheduled to be completed in eight months, and during this period, he noted that they are anticipating that there will be issues of traffic congestion; however, their law enforcement agencies and the traffic officers will be close to the space, taking care of the situation.
2 men arrested in connection with Kriel coal heist remain in custody as case is postponed
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