Scores of rural residents from rural Mpindweni village have lavished praise on Mthatha city bosses for finally fixing their rural roads, saying their lives have been changed for the better.
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality spent nearly R5-million on upgrading dilapidated internal roads in the village situated about five kilometres outside Mthatha.
But amid the excitement, others especially those who use their cars as taxis, said they would have preferred it if the roads had been tarred.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said initially only 15km worth of rural roads in Mpindweni had been earmarked as part of the project.
However, after a request from the community, they had decided to do an additional three kilometres.
“We are so happy the project has been completed within the specified six months,” added the spokesman.
KSD mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said she was pleased they had managed to improve the condition of the roads in the village as it would make the lives of hundreds of villagers much easier.
The Daily Dispatch reported earlier this year the poor condition of internal roads had become a source of discontent for rural Mpindweni residents for many years.
But when the Dispatch visited Mpindweni yesterday, many of the residents expressed joy the roads were now in a better condition.
None more so than neighbours, Nofikile Mayekiso and Nokhaya Mbananga, both aged 72.
“I cannot even put it in words how happy we are that our roads have been fixed,” said a beaming Mayekiso.
She said many of the roads had previously become impassable especially during rainy seasons.
“ The village is built on a slope and you’d find many cars being towed by a span of oxen because some roads become very slippery.”
Mbananga said she sometimes even found it hard to travel to town as she was forced to walk long distances to catch a taxi as they refused to go into the village due to the poor roads.
But bakkie owners like Jackson Mpetho, who uses his vehicle as a private taxi to ferry passengers, said it would have been better had the roads been tarred.
“Even now, we have to change tyres as they become worn out. They must put tar on the roads once and for all,” he said.
Mampoza, however, said the municipality was committed to bringing services to rural citizens of KSD.
He said an additional R10.5-million had been spent recently on building two bridges in Khonqeni village near Mqanduli.
Some of the money was used to upgrade rural roads in several villages including Bilitane and Manyisane.
“Those villagers were forced to travel long distances on foot to get to other villages or if they wanted to get to town,” he said.
The municipality indicated earlier this year it had budgeted around R150-million for upgrading the road network in the municipal area with a focus on improving the condition of rural roads.
Road users’ joy
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality spent nearly R5-million on upgrading dilapidated internal roads in the village situated about five kilometres outside Mthatha.
But amid the excitement, others especially those who use their cars as taxis, said they would have preferred it if the roads had been tarred.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said initially only 15km worth of rural roads in Mpindweni had been earmarked as part of the project.
However, after a request from the community, they had decided to do an additional three kilometres.
“We are so happy the project has been completed within the specified six months,” added the spokesman.
KSD mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said she was pleased they had managed to improve the condition of the roads in the village as it would make the lives of hundreds of villagers much easier.
The Daily Dispatch reported earlier this year the poor condition of internal roads had become a source of discontent for rural Mpindweni residents for many years.
But when the Dispatch visited Mpindweni yesterday, many of the residents expressed joy the roads were now in a better condition.
None more so than neighbours, Nofikile Mayekiso and Nokhaya Mbananga, both aged 72.
“I cannot even put it in words how happy we are that our roads have been fixed,” said a beaming Mayekiso.
She said many of the roads had previously become impassable especially during rainy seasons.
“ The village is built on a slope and you’d find many cars being towed by a span of oxen because some roads become very slippery.”
Mbananga said she sometimes even found it hard to travel to town as she was forced to walk long distances to catch a taxi as they refused to go into the village due to the poor roads.
But bakkie owners like Jackson Mpetho, who uses his vehicle as a private taxi to ferry passengers, said it would have been better had the roads been tarred.
“Even now, we have to change tyres as they become worn out. They must put tar on the roads once and for all,” he said.
Mampoza, however, said the municipality was committed to bringing services to rural citizens of KSD.
He said an additional R10.5-million had been spent recently on building two bridges in Khonqeni village near Mqanduli.
Some of the money was used to upgrade rural roads in several villages including Bilitane and Manyisane.
“Those villagers were forced to travel long distances on foot to get to other villages or if they wanted to get to town,” he said.
The municipality indicated earlier this year it had budgeted around R150-million for upgrading the road network in the municipal area with a focus on improving the condition of rural roads.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos