By Nkosinathi Sengwayo
Hazyview - Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has launched the reconstruction of a R149-million road, which is expected to provide jobs for 400 people.
Premier Mabuza, together with Public Works, Roads and Transport MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu and Mbombela mayor Cathy Dlamini, turned the sod on the R538 road in Mshadza, near Hazyview, on Tuesday.
The road connects Hazyview and White River.
"Today, we came back to report to the community members because they were complaining about the state of our roads. There is no need to patch this road. We have decided to put money aside to reconstruct the road from scratch,” said Premier Mabuza.
He said the construction of the 16-km road has been scheduled to be completed on September 13, 2015.
Community member Thembeni Msimang (37), from Nyongane near Hazyview, said the new road will reduce accidents that occur due to potholes.
"I am pleased that our premier met our needs as a community because we were experiencing many accidents on this road. This will make a difference to motorists because they were changing tyres every time due to this road," said Msimang.
Thobeka Mhlanga (29), from Mganduzweni near White River, said the road will have a positive impact on tourists using the R40 between White River and Hazyview to access Numbi Gate in the Kruger National Park.
"The premier has just [improved] our chances of getting tourists, who were using other roads to access the Kruger National Park. The tourists will come use this road again and buy things that we are selling," said Mhlanga. – SAnews.gov.za
