Still no relief for eSikhaleni motorists
The City of Umhlathuze will have to iron out legalities before the construction of eSikhaleni's intersection can commence
THERE is still no relief in sight for eSikhaleni motorists who have been waiting for the area’s road expansion project to be implemented since last year.
Despite being constantly assured progress was on the cards, construction on site has not yet started.
According to the City of uMhlathuze’s initial statement, road upgrades were supposed to have started last year,
Residents received the welcome news during the State of the City Address in eSikhaleni last year; but their excitement was short-lived.
The road expansion is meant to ease the heavy congestion at the intersection.
According to residents the narrow road is a major source of accidents and a hazard to drivers.
Last week the Zululand Observer reported on an accident which included young schoolchildren at the intersection.
Since the article was published, frustrated Zululanders have voiced their concerns about the delays.
ALSO READ: eSikhaleni road a hazard say residents
‘I wonder what happened to the proposed plan to expand the road and to beautify the suburb’s entrance by getting rid of the robots and constructing a traffic circle,’ questioned Muzi Mthembu.
‘That road needs to be expanded or a new road constructed because the number of cars has increased significantly in recent years,’ said Nolundi Luthuli on the ZO Facebook page.
‘I think our municipality should start treating all citizens the same. Township roads are so narrow. Whenever I jog from the CBD to Mandlazini or eNseleni, there is a huge difference. In Birdswood or Brackenham the roads are wide enough, while in eNseleni or Mandlazini they are so narrow that there are no yellow lines,’ said Oscar Maduna.
According to the municipality a construction company was appointed in June last year, but there are legalities which need to be straightened out first before construction commences.
According to the city’s statement issued by spokesperson Mdu Ncalane, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations and the issue of Water Usage Licence Authorisation had to be ironed out before any construction starts.
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