KwaZulu-Natal’s deteriorating roads, marred by potholes and disrepair, continue to impact daily life across the province. However, the Ladysmith (uMnambithi) region is now set for a much-needed transformation, with several key routes scheduled for urgent rehabilitation.
The Alfred Duma Local Municipality has confirmed that Shepstone Road, Newcastle Road, Madras Road, Tanjore Road, and Elm Street will undergo comprehensive upgrades.
These roads will be closed for approximately six months, limiting access for residents and businesses. Motorists are advised to make use of alternative routes during this period to avoid disruptions.
According to the municipality’s Communication Unit, senior municipal leaders visited affected wards in early May to formally introduce the contractors responsible for the upgrades. At a meeting held at uMnambithi Town Hall, Mayor Cllr ZJ Sibisi addressed Ward 22 residents and introduced W BLACKMINE (PTY) LTD, the contractor appointed to restore a 0.65km stretch of Newcastle Road.
Backed by a R6.5 million budget, this four-month project is expected to create 14 local jobs. Once completed, the road will improve access to nearby schools and markets, enhancing mobility within the ward.
In a parallel effort, Deputy Mayor Cllr S Simelane visited Hydepark, also in Ward 22, to introduce Dambuza Logistics Services, the contractor appointed to rehabilitate a 1.3km stretch of Shepstone Road. This R7.9 million initiative, also expected to take four months, will create 14 jobs for local residents and strengthen access to Hydepark’s commercial areas.
Following this, the Deputy Mayor then travelled to Ezakheni, where Black Transport and Logistics has been appointed to restore a road connecting Wards 3 and 5. With a R5.4 million budget and 10 jobs created, this project will enhance access to essential healthcare and educational facilities.
These roadworks form part of a broader effort by the Alfred Duma Municipality to address the region’s failing infrastructure. According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), KwaZulu-Natal’s 20,000km road network is in severe decline, with widespread potholes and surface damage hampering transport and trade. CoGTA reports a R10 billion backlog in road maintenance across the province and is currently funding more than 50 infrastructure projects aimed at improving service delivery and mobility.
The upgrades underway in Ladysmith mark a slight positive step towards restoring vital infrastructure.
Lastly, the Alfred Duma Local Municipality believes that these improvements will attract investment, support local businesses, and foster community development through safer and more reliable road access.
What are your thoughts on the road rehabilitation efforts? Share your views in the comments below.
5 Responses
Who live in Elm street it is vacant only one tavern no houses and vacant land for the last 70 years
Halala Halala Alfred Duma municipality. I was born and bred in Ladysmith and in my fifties now.It has always been a sore point coming to Ladysmith having to travel on those same dilapidated roads . Am looking forward to seeing men at work when I visit Ladysmith in the near future.
I just don’t understand why so many roads are affected at the same time,when they can complete one road at a time..have a look at Murchison street,it’s incomplete,looks like ghey have stopped,I don’t see workers busy on that road,they just block roads unnecessarily!
Ladysmith is way behind Newcastle , they only use 5 people on a pothole, here in Newcastle we use at least 10 -20 people per pothole.
I’m currently still new in this beautiful amazing blessed town called Ladysmith…I love this town so much…but hearing how negative certain people speak abt how how awesome and beautiful this town used to be…all I can say frm a positive point…there’s always room for improvement…let’s hope and pray and stop looking bck and with God’s help pray for the guys that, get given these huge contracts to educate the one’s that carry out the workload to make a success of everything…This is where all the well known exspienced guys come in cause these roads get used on a daily basis. Top quality
guarantee work play a major role…thanks in advance and weldone.