Major Road and Water Projects Advance in Newcastle

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19-03-2025
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New Castillian News
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Three major infrastructure projects are currently underway in Newcastle, with the Newcastle Municipality stating that it is ensuring their timely completion to enhance service delivery for the benefit of residents.

On Friday, 14 March 2024, Newcastle Municipality’s Mayor and Portfolio Chairperson for Technical Services, accompanied by the Head of Technical Services, the steering committee, and ward councillors, conducted an oversight inspection of these projects.

“The purpose of the visit was to gather comprehensive information on the advancement of all active projects as a monitoring tool. Various political leaders had the chance to provide a legislative overview during this visit in an effort to promote responsibility, accountability, and a transparent government,” stated the Newcastle Municipality’s Communications Unit.

Project 1: AC Pipe Replacement in Arbor Park, Ward 34

This project involves upgrading asbestos cement pipes to UPVC pipes and installing Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs). As explained by the Communications Unit, the project is funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, with a total cost of R2 499 899. The anticipated completion date is 30 April 2025.

Progress to Date:

• 58 road crossings completed
• Six bends installed
• Two fire hydrants installed
• Approximately 334 house connections completed and receiving water (Elm, Palm, Boom, Doorn, Pine, and Acacia)

Remaining Work:

• Three road crossings to be completed (one at Oak, two at Magnolia)
• 516 house connections pending
• Three fire hydrants still to be installed
• Approximately 600m of pipeline remaining for installation (Maple, Ebony, Mimosa, Geelhout, and Wilger)
• Around 69 road crossings still require reinstatement

With 55% of the contractor’s scope of work completed, the Communications Unit pointed out that efforts are ongoing to finalise the remaining phases.

Project 2: Osizweni Tarred Access Roads – Ward 32

The municipal team also visited the construction site for the Osizweni tarred access roads in Ward 32. This project, which commenced in September 2024, is funded through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant and aims to upgrade approximately 1.9 kilometres of gravel roads in Wards 32 and 9 to blacktop tar. The initiative is set to improve accessibility and mobility for residents.

Scope of the Project:

• Earthworks
• Kerbing
• Stormwater drainage systems
• Roadway surfacing

Objectives:

• Providing road infrastructure and stormwater drainage to Osizweni residents
• Enhancing accessibility and mobility
• Creating temporary employment opportunities during construction
• Supporting the development of local emerging contractors

The project is expected to be completed by June 2025 for Ward 32 and April 2025 for Ward 9.

Project 3: Rehabilitation of JR2 Road – Ward 18

Additionally, the municipal delegation inspected the rehabilitation of the JR2 road in Blaauwbosch, Ward 18. Due to persistent rainfall and soil erosion, the road had deteriorated significantly, posing a challenge for commuters. The municipality is now undertaking repairs and levelling works to restore accessibility. The total cost of this project is estimated at R18 094 578.60.

While the Municipality remains confident that these projects will be completed within the next financial year, Cllr Dube emphasised their importance, stating, “Such projects are a demonstration of the municipality’s commitment in investing in infrastructure development which enables sustainable economic growth.”

As these developments gain momentum and move closer to completion, what are your thoughts on the Municipality’s infrastructure initiatives? Share your views in the comment section below.