By: Zethu Gweva
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor Xola Pakati officially opened the first section of the R268 million Qumza Highway project for Mdantsane motorists today.
According to Pakati, the project began in September 2018 and over 24 local SMME’s benefited from the project.
“This project created jobs for the people of Mdantsane and they have done great work on the new road, though it took us a long while to complete the first section due to some construction problems,” said Pakati.
The Deputy Chairperson of MELTA Phakamile Jacobs said as taxi drivers they are very pleased with the first completion of the road as they won’t drive around the whole of Mdantsane to reach destinations.
He also pleaded with commuters and taxi drivers to not throw litter out of the windows, park in the middle of the road and not drink and drive.
“Mdantsane is the second biggest township in South Africa and the current facelift certainly resembles the title. I want the people of Mdantsane to drive with caution on these roads and to not vandalize what has been already constructed for us, said Jacobs.”
Pakati explained that the other section that will be opened to ease traffic flow starts from Mazidlekhaya to the Cross Road in Nu9 and the road works for Mazidlekhaya to Golden Highway road are expected to commence on phase two of the project early 2020.
He added that the full completion of the project is scheduled for March 2021.