Big plans for Mtuba development

‘MTUBATUBA is destined for greatness’.

This was the bold message delivered to the people of Mtubatuba on Thursday as COGTA (Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs) outlined its development plans for the town.

A three-phase approach to expanding Mtubatuba’s central business district (CBD) will be implemented over 15 years.

Plans include alleviating traffic congestion, providing formal areas for traders, better education facilities, green spaces within the CBD and a regional hospital. Furthermore, existing municipal land will provide space for 300 extra houses close to the Nordale residential area.

COGTA’s plan is to upgrade and expand Mtubatuba sufficiently so it can become the thriving, efficient node it was destined to be.

Mtubatuba’s critical issues relating to expansion, which include water shortages, inadequate sanitation and road congestion were, however, acknowledged.

COGTA said these will be upgraded accordingly.

Fitting in with this planned development is Transnet’s ‘road over rail’ project, which proposes to eliminate Mtubatuba’s existing level crossing by lowering the railway line by 1km and building a bridge for motorists to cross the track. This, with COGTA’s proposed new pedestrian bridge, will improve safety in the vicinity of the level crossing which is currently free from security measures such as booms.

Development does not come cheap. COGTA’s proposed upgrades will cost an estimated R1.5-billion, while Transnet’s Swaziland rail link project, under which the Mtubatuba upgrades fall, will cost R17-billion.

To turn Mtubatuba into the ‘gateway to St Lucia’ and enhance its economic potential, public and private investment is essential.

While good news for the town, skeptics among Mtubatuba’s business community said they will reserve judgment until actual implementation of the plans.

@TamlynJolly