Ladysmith Set to Revamp Five Roads with Major Upgrades

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23-05-2025
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New Castillian News
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KwaZulu-Natal’s deteriorating roads, marred by potholes and disrepair, continue to impact daily life across the province. However, the Ladysmith (uMnambithi) region is now set for a much-needed transformation, with several key routes scheduled for urgent rehabilitation.

The Alfred Duma Local Municipality has confirmed that Shepstone Road, Newcastle Road, Madras Road, Tanjore Road, and Elm Street will undergo comprehensive upgrades.

These roads will be closed for approximately six months, limiting access for residents and businesses. Motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes during this period to avoid disruptions.

According to the municipality’s Communication Unit, senior municipal leaders visited affected wards in early May to formally introduce the contractors responsible for the upgrades. At a meeting held at uMnambithi Town Hall, Mayor Cllr ZJ Sibisi addressed Ward 22 residents and introduced W BLACKMINE (PTY) LTD, the contractor appointed to restore a 0.65km stretch of Newcastle Road.

Backed by a R6.5 million budget, this four-month project is expected to create 14 local jobs. Once completed, the road will improve access to nearby schools and markets, enhancing mobility within the ward.

In a parallel effort, Deputy Mayor Cllr S Simelane visited Hydepark, also in Ward 22, to introduce Dambuza Logistics Services, the contractor appointed to rehabilitate a 1.3km stretch of Shepstone Road. This R7.9 million initiative, also expected to take four months, will create 14 jobs for local residents and strengthen access to Hydepark’s commercial areas.

Following this, the Deputy Mayor then travelled to Ezakheni, where Black Transport and Logistics has been appointed to restore a road connecting Wards 3 and 5. With a R5.4 million budget and 10 jobs created, this project will enhance access to essential healthcare and educational facilities.

These roadworks form part of a broader effort by the Alfred Duma Municipality to address the region’s failing infrastructure. According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), KwaZulu-Natal’s 20,000km road network is in severe decline, with widespread potholes and surface damage hampering transport and trade. CoGTA reports a R10 billion backlog in road maintenance across the province and is currently funding more than 50 infrastructure projects aimed at improving service delivery and mobility.

The upgrades underway in Ladysmith mark a slight positive step towards restoring vital infrastructure.

Lastly, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality believes that these improvements will attract investment, support local businesses, and foster community development through safer and more reliable road access.