The MEC of Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, (DPWRT) Thulasizwe Thomo, held a meeting today at Ebutsini, Ekulindeni under Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality to address the prolonged road project that has been a significant concern for the community. The meeting, attended by community leaders and public officials including traditional councils and representatives from the municipality, focused on the urgent need to complete the road project.
During the meeting, the MEC made a firm commitment that the DPWRT would expedite the completion of all ongoing work that has been overdue. He assured the community that within 14 days, a contractor would be on-site to resume and finalize the project. The contractor has also pledged to re-establish a site and ensure the road is completed efficiently.
The road in question is of great importance as it connects two major ports of entry, the Bulembu Border Post, and the Oshoek Border Post. The Oshoek Border Post is particularly crucial for South Africa’s economy. Additionally, the completion of this road is expected to significantly boost economic activities in Ekulindeni, including tourism and agriculture. The project has also contributed to reducing unemployment, especially in Ward 12 and Ward 19.
Following the meeting, MEC Thomo conducted a walkabout to inspect the project’s progress and visited the bridge in Ward 19. Engineers briefed him on the completed work and the remaining tasks. The MEC committed to ensuring that all outstanding work from the previous financial year would be completed. He also pledged to regularly visit all public works projects to monitor their progress and maintenance.
MEC Thomo expressed his gratitude to the community for their patience and cooperation with the municipality and the Department of Public Works. He also promised that the bypass road would be repaired within the week, allowing the community to use it safely.
