Inspection of the Gumatane Bridge and hand over of road rehabilitation project worth more than R200 million to revive the town of Harding in Umuziwabantu Local Municipality

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Sipho Hlomuka, today (Tuesday, 23 April 2024), conducted an inspection of the Gumatane Bridge and handed over a road rehabilitation project worth more than R200 million to revive the town of Harding in Umuziwabantu Local Municipality.

MEC Hlomuka began his day by inspecting the Gumatane River Bridge. This comes after there have been delays in its completion. This inspection visit will ensure that the bridge is completed soon as its essential in connecting the community of uMzumbe and Harding in uMuziwabantu.

Hlomuka then handed over the rehabilitation contract for Main Road P61. The contract value for the project is R200 million and this project is set to dramatically improve the region’s connectivity and establish a new standard for road safety and accessibility.

The P61 is a vital connection that links several municipal roads in uMuziwabantu Local Municipality’s Wards Three and Eight, under the uGu District Municipality. This critical artery ties into the National Road N2, running between
Harding and Kokstad, creating a significant pathway for commerce, travel, and regional growth.

The importance of the P61 Road resonates throughout local communities, particularly in Mkhoba and Weza. Moreover, it will create 140 work opportunities dedicated to local youth, women, and people with disabilities, paving the way for a new wave of empowerment and inclusion.

MEC Hlomuka then concluded his day by engaging the community of Ward 08 at Harding Community Hall in uMuziwabantu Local Municipality where he was joined by KwaZulu-Natal Legislature speaker, Honourable N. Boyce, uMuziwabantu Local Municipality mayor, Cllr. Sboniso Zungu, Local House of Traditional Leadership, Inkosi Machi, local councillors and stakeholders.