Newcastle Municipality reports major advancements in road infrastructure development

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03-06-2024
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New Castillian News
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For years, Newcastle’s roads have been marred with potholes. However, change is on the rise. This follows the Newcastle Municipality announcing significant progress in its road infrastructure development programme.

According to the Municipality, a comprehensive road upgrading programme was launched in 2022, which has made substantial strides in converting gravel roads to tarred roads and repairing potholes.

The Newcastle Municipality further noted that motorists are now enjoying pothole-free roads in areas such as the Newcastle town area, Madadeni, and Osizweni.

While several suburbs and areas in the industrial area are still plagued by potholes, Newcastle’s Mayor, Cllr Xolani Dube, explained, “Our goal is to ensure that every road in Newcastle Municipality is safe, accessible, and dignified. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our quest to revitalise all our roads, creating a better quality of life for our residents and driving economic growth.”

Cllr Dube also highlighted that the Municipality’s aggressive efforts to revamp Newcastle’s roads are set to improve residents’ quality of life, create jobs, and stimulate local economic development. “We are committed to continuing investing in our infrastructure, driving progress, and building a better future for all,” said Mayor Dube.

The Newcastle Municipality noted that it would be unveiling its flagship projects and milestones in the coming weeks, which are set to showcase the transformative impact of its road infrastructure development programme.

While the Newcastle Municipality is proud of its progress in gradually ridding Newcastle of potholes, credit is also due to AfriForum Newcastle.

In August 2023, AfriForum Newcastle launched an initiative with the Municipality to repair potholes. The civil rights organisation donated asphalt to the Newcastle Municipality, while the Municipality provided the necessary manpower. This initiative saw 500 bags of asphalt used and nearly 200 potholes repaired along Impala Road, Drakensberg Drive, Victoria Road, and Aquamarine Drive.

As the Municipality prepares to unveil its flagship projects, AfriForum Newcastle’s Peet Liebenberg noted that AfriForum would not be joining the Municipality this time around. “The initial project worked in that we assisted the Newcastle Municipality, with them then taking the initiative to continue with the repair work,” noted Liebenberg.

However, while AfriForum Newcastle will not be assisting with the continued battle against potholes, Liebenberg mentioned that in the coming weeks, the organisation will be discussing other service delivery issues with the Newcastle Municipality.

These issues, Liebenberg said, would include water reticulation, sewage issues, and Newcastle’s landfill site.