City of Mbombela delivers on road upgrade promises

Tags

---

13-11-2025
Read : 6 times
Mpumalanga News
Source

The rebuilding of roads near Hazyview has created temporary jobs.

The Shabalala community and residents of surrounding areas have expressed relief and gratitude as the City of Mbombela (CoM) embarks on a major road upgrade – a key initiative within the municipality’s broader plan to improve its road network.

The project is already under way, addressing long-standing concerns about the poor condition of local roads. It fulfils a commitment made by the CoM’s mayor, Sbongile Makushe-Mazibuko, during her State of Municipal Address.

Makushe-Mazibuko has previously acknowledged the challenge of maintaining municipal infrastructure.

She said 82% (3 458km) of the city’s road network consists of gravel roads across townships and villages, compared with just 803km that are tarred or paved.

“From 2021 to 2025, we paved 62.58km of roads. Across 13 vehicle and pedestrian bridges and culverts, 1 824km of roads were also regravelled. We are now tackling this road because we want our people to be able to move from village to village on a proper road,” she said.

Although an exact completion date has not been provided, Makushe-Mazibuko assured residents that work is progressing as planned, but cautioned that the rainy season could cause delays.

The project has also created temporary jobs for local residents. She called for public co-operation during construction.

Resident Enock Mkhabela welcomed the development. “It is about time it is repaired, as it was very difficult to drive on that road. When it rains, it is worse. The good thing is that our cry has been heard,” he said.

Another resident, Dudu Mokoena, said the upgrade was vital for the area’s development and accessibility.

“We have schools, clinics and businesses operating in the area, but the bad road made those facilities difficult to reach. We have tourists visiting our area, but the poor roads created a negative image. I just hope they will do a quality job,” Mokoena said.

Residents are eagerly awaiting completion of the project and look forward to driving on a properly paved road without constantly having to dodge potholes.