In a momentous occasion, the Mayor of the City of uMhlathuze, Cllr X Ngwezi, officiated the sod-turning ceremony for the Empangeni Revitalisation project. This ambitious, multi-year endeavor is estimated to cost the council approximately R67 million, and it signifies a resolute commitment to transforming the heart of Empangeni.
“I am honored to announce that the Umhlathuze Municipality is ready to transition from the realms of planning and discussion to tangible action,” stated Mayor Ngwezi during the ceremony. “In the years to come, the city will embark on a series of high-profile, economy-driving projects, one of which is the development of the Empangeni Mega Project. This initiative will encompass the creation of approximately 10,000 new housing units catering to a diverse range of residents, from low-income to middle-income and upscale individuals. Additionally, it will feature the establishment of new shopping malls and communal facilities,” he added.
The key deliverables of this ambitious project have been outlined and include the following:
- 101 Informal Traders’ Stalls: These will provide a space for local entrepreneurs to conduct their businesses and stimulate economic growth in the region.
- 3 Communal Ablution Facilities: Essential amenities for the community, contributing to improved public infrastructure.
- 2 Communal Garden/Play Areas: Spaces where families and children can gather, fostering community spirit and leisure activities.
- 2 Communal Meeting Blocks: Facilities that can serve as meeting places for various community groups and organizations.
- 2 Communal Storage Facilities: For secure storage of community resources and equipment.
- Clearview Fencing of the Library Area: Enhancing the aesthetics and security of public spaces.
- Roadworks: Infrastructure improvements to facilitate better mobility and transportation within the city.
- Paving and Landscaping: Enhancements to public spaces, making them more inviting and accessible.
- Engineering Services Connections: Necessary utilities and services to support the revitalization efforts.
The Empangeni Revitalisation project is a testament to the council’s commitment to creating an environment where businesses, operators, and traders can thrive, thereby ensuring socio-economic stability. In recent months, the city has extended its support to numerous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and small-scale farmers, offering the necessary tools and resources required to succeed in today’s challenging economic climate.
Mayor Ngwezi further elucidated the city’s vision, emphasizing that their ultimate goal is to empower everyone with a fighting chance and prevent the scourge of extreme poverty in the communities they serve.
As the Empangeni Revitalisation project takes shape, it stands as a beacon of hope and transformation, promising a brighter future for the residents and businesses of Empangeni.
