The multimillion-rand “ring road” linking the R61 and N2 to each other will not only lead to smoother traffic flow in Mthatha, but will also help alleviate pressure on other internal road networks in the city.That is the view shared by city bosses, residents, business, traditional leaders and even taxi drivers following news that work had started in earnest on the construction of the much-anticipated R119-million road project.
The Daily Dispatch previously reported that the project was forging ahead with a tender already awarded to a contractor.
The new road will link the R61 on the Ngcobo side near the Fort Gale suburb to the N2 near Northcrest.
Motorists travelling on the R61 from Port St Johns will be able to take the ring road near Corhana village past Mayden Farm onto the N2 near Ncambedlana.
Those travelling from Tsolo will be able to use the same route if they want to go to Libode, Ngqeleni and Port St Johns.
Mthatha Ratepayers Association secretary Noxolo Siphohlwana said residents were excited that the project had started.
“We really applaud the municipality but we are just not happy that we are not consulted on these projects. It often takes about an hour for someone driving on the R61 wanting to pass through the city centre,” she said.
Siphohlwana believed the new road would lessen pressure on others around the city.
“Potholes are sometimes caused by huge traffic volumes. Even if they are fixed, they crop up again because of the traffic load.”
Mthatha businessman Graeme Alexander, although happy with the project, said a bus service in the central business district would ease congestion.
“People could leave their cars and ride on a bus.”
He argued the new by-pass was not an “absolute” answer to dealing with traffic congestion.
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said they were happy that work had started on the project which would make the city more accessible to motorists.
Driving around Mthatha would also become enjoyable and stress free.
“The initiative will not only assist in traffic congestion but will also enhance the lifespan of our internal roads as there will be fewer heavy vehicles passing through,” she added.
Mthatha taxi owner Zanemvula Gaya said public transport owners had lost a lot of potential income in the past due to congestion on the roads. He said they were hoping things would improve.
Chief Mkhuseli Ndamase of Mpindweni village was excited at the prospect of some of his subjects finding jobs on the project.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said the by-pass would be completed by October 2016.
Work starts on long-awaited Mthatha road
That is the view shared by city bosses, residents, business, traditional leaders and even taxi drivers following news that work had started in earnest on the construction of the much-anticipated R119-million road project.
The Daily Dispatch previously reported that the project was forging ahead with a tender already awarded to a contractor.
The new road will link the R61 on the Ngcobo side near the Fort Gale suburb to the N2 near Northcrest.
Motorists travelling on the R61 from Port St Johns will be able to take the ring road near Corhana village past Mayden Farm onto the N2 near Ncambedlana.
Those travelling from Tsolo will be able to use the same route if they want to go to Libode, Ngqeleni and Port St Johns.
Mthatha Ratepayers Association secretary Noxolo Siphohlwana said residents were excited that the project had started.
“We really applaud the municipality but we are just not happy that we are not consulted on these projects. It often takes about an hour for someone driving on the R61 wanting to pass through the city centre,” she said.
Siphohlwana believed the new road would lessen pressure on others around the city.
“Potholes are sometimes caused by huge traffic volumes. Even if they are fixed, they crop up again because of the traffic load.”
Mthatha businessman Graeme Alexander, although happy with the project, said a bus service in the central business district would ease congestion.
“People could leave their cars and ride on a bus.”
He argued the new by-pass was not an “absolute” answer to dealing with traffic congestion.
King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) mayor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said they were happy that work had started on the project which would make the city more accessible to motorists.
Driving around Mthatha would also become enjoyable and stress free.
“The initiative will not only assist in traffic congestion but will also enhance the lifespan of our internal roads as there will be fewer heavy vehicles passing through,” she added.
Mthatha taxi owner Zanemvula Gaya said public transport owners had lost a lot of potential income in the past due to congestion on the roads. He said they were hoping things would improve.
Chief Mkhuseli Ndamase of Mpindweni village was excited at the prospect of some of his subjects finding jobs on the project.
KSD spokesman Sonwabo Mampoza said the by-pass would be completed by October 2016.
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