The Mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane, officially opened the R8,6 million Muledane Unit J and Shayandima Internal Streets project on Friday.

The formal programme started at Muledane Fire Station, followed by the cutting of the ribbon at one of the tarred streets, at Muledane. The project is a joint venture between the Thulamela Municipality and the Department of Housing and Local Government, through the municipal infrastructure grant (MIG).

The 2,5 km street at Muledane Unit J was started on 22 September last year and reached its completion on 28 February this year. Of the R4,5 million needed for the project, the Thulamela Municipality made R2,2 million available, whereas the remaining balance of R2,3 million was footed by the MIG programme.

The Shayandima Internals street tarring was completed at a cost of R4,1 million. Construction commenced on 17 October last year and the street was ready for use on 28 April. The MIG programme provided R2,1 million, whereas the Thulamela Municipality contributed R2 million towards the project.

When addressing the guests, Mayor Makumbane said the municipality is a service delivery arm of the government aimed at rendering sustainable service to its inhabitants. “The official opening of these streets clearly indicates that we are serious about service delivery. We have a responsibility to provide roads of good standing in our municipality.”

Makumbane said the street projects are a major boost to the economic development of the municipality. “Apart from the reduction of air pollution and the improvement of vehicle lifespan, the project will form a link in the transport network, resulting in easier accessibility of services in our municipality. Our economic development will obviously be a beneficiary of the project.”

However, Makumbane warned drivers to drive with care, without taking advantage of the improved road conditions. “We believe the construction of these streets will not lead to the multiplication of road accidents in the municipality. Faster driving breeds danger to the family and we urge drivers to drive more responsibly, to spare their lives and those of innocent community members.”

The mayor concluded by urging community members to pay municipal service fees for life improvement within the municipality. He also called upon indigent households to register for assistance with the municipality.