Roadworks on Matanzima Route Reach Final Stages Ahead of December

The Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) says the long-awaited upgrade of Matanzima Road in Ezibeleni is progressing well, with officials confirming that the project has reached 70% completion. During an oversight visit conducted today, the municipality expressed confidence that all work will be completed by 15 December 2025, bringing significant relief to residents who have endured years of deteriorating road conditions.

The visit was led by the Portfolio Head for Technical Services, Cllr Mhlangabezi Mangcotywa, together with local Ward Councillors, who assessed progress and engaged with the project team on timelines, workmanship, and community impact.

Oversight Visit Aims to Strengthen Accountability and Delivery

EMLM confirmed that today’s oversight visit forms part of its routine monitoring process to ensure that infrastructure projects remain on schedule, adhere to technical specifications, and meet safety and quality standards.

Oversight visits like this are critical in a municipality facing ongoing service delivery pressures. Komani and surrounding areas have struggled with ageing infrastructure, pothole-ridden roads, and slow project turnaround times. By conducting in-person assessments, councillors hope to reinforce oversight, track expenditure responsibly, and maintain transparency with residents.

Municipal representatives said that the current phase of the Matanzima Road project is progressing without major delays, and contractors remain on track to meet the December completion deadline.

What the Project Involves: Paving, Kerbing, Channeling and Landscaping

The Matanzima Road upgrade is one of Ezibeleni’s larger infrastructure investments for 2024–2025. According to the municipality, the scope of work includes:

• Paving the road surface using durable block paving designed for high-traffic township routes

• Installing kerbing and edge restraints to protect the roadway

• Constructing stormwater channeling to improve water drainage and reduce flood damage

• Landscaping and verge rehabilitation to improve safety and visual appearance around the route

• Strengthening sections of the sub-base where the original road had deteriorated

Residents have long complained about potholes, poor drainage and erosion along this route. The upgrade is expected to significantly improve driving conditions, taxi operations, pedestrian safety, and access to local businesses, schools, and amenities.

A Critical Access Route for Ezibeleni Residents

Matanzima Road is one of the most frequently used local roads in Ezibeleni. It connects residential areas to:

• public transport routes

• clinics

• schools

• local shops and small businesses

• community facilities

Because of its importance, its poor state in recent years has been a major source of frustration for residents. During rainy seasons, the road often became muddy and hazardous, further complicating transport and emergency access.

Completion of the paving work is expected to reduce ongoing maintenance costs for the municipality and offer a long-term solution compared with repeated patching.

Economic and Social Benefits for the Community

Beyond improved mobility, EMLM says the project supports broader community development objectives. Road upgrades often stimulate:

• safer daily travel for learners and pedestrians

• increased confidence for business owners

• better movement of taxis and public transport

• property value stability

• job opportunities created during construction

The municipality confirmed that local labour has been included in the project, in line with public works and Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) guidelines. This means residents are gaining short-term employment and skills in paving, construction support, and landscaping.

Residents Hope for More Consistent Infrastructure Improvements

While many residents have welcomed the progress, some community members have urged the municipality to maintain this level of oversight across all service delivery projects.

The 70% completion milestone brings some renewed optimism, but residents say they will be fully satisfied once the road is officially completed and handed over before the festive season.

Call for Public Patience During Final Construction Stages

The municipality has urged residents to remain patient as construction teams complete the last 30% of the project. Temporary road closures, machinery movement, and dust may continue during this period.

Communications officials encouraged residents to use alternative routes where possible and to cooperate with traffic management teams during working hours.

Conclusion: A Promising Step Forward for Ezibeleni

As EMLM continues efforts to address service delivery backlogs, the Matanzima Road project stands out as a positive development. If completed on schedule, it will bring meaningful improvements to mobility, safety, and community infrastructure in Ezibeleni.

Komani News will continue monitoring the project and provide updates as the 15 December deadline approaches.