R33m revitalisation of eMaXesibeni to help create jobs, combat crime

The Umzimvubu local municipality is expediting infrastructure development projects in eMaXesibeni to provide proper facilities for the town’s growing population, create jobs and combat crime.

The municipality has allocated R33m —an injection from the Eastern Cape government’s Small Town Revitalisation Initiative — to these projects. 

One such undertaking is the upgrading of streets lights in the town’s busy Ntsizwa, Nolangeni and Church streets.

Council has also identified a need to build pedestrian walkways and tar roads in the busiest sections of the town.

Funds have been used to upgrade the road leading to the cemetery, as well as pave and improve the ablution facilities at the new cemetery in town.

Parking and storm water drainage systems are included in the upgrades. 

Two new traffic circles are under construction, which will vastly improve traffic control measures in town.

In another exciting development, the municipality has also conceptualised a transport hub where taxis, busses and hawkers will be accommodated.

The hawkers will also be allocated stalls where their stock can be stored.

Umzimvubu mayor Sobane Mnukwa has thanked the provincial government for supporting these projects.

Mnukwa said their goal was to be the best-run municipality in SA, and these projects would help move the municipality in that direction. 

“We have noticed that Umzimvubu is at the centre of other municipalities, Ntabankulu, Bizana, and Matatiele.

“All of them converge here in Umzimvubu, so many of their activities and some of their district offices are here in this area.

“This means this place can grow exponentially economically,” he said. 

“Our state of readiness, our plans and our IDP [integrated development plan] are aligned to what is coming up.

“Huge development will come from these projects given to us by the provincial government.” 

Welcoming the projects and the jobs that would be created for unemployed people in the area, Ward 7 councillor Mthetheleli Ntsengwana said this would also help reduce crime.

“We are so happy about this support from the provincial government, and we assure the province that this funding will be used for its initial purpose.

“More than 50 young people have been employed in these projects so far.

“Some unemployed youth have also been trained in electrical work through these projects,” Ntsengwana said.

According to the municipality, the projects are 95% complete.