Infrastructure rollout in achieving dream of a new city-Mayor Maila

The roll out of infrastructure is key in the development of a new city in the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality. This is according to Mayor Eddie Maila who delivered his State of the Local Address last week announcing major progress in the construction of strategic roads he said where necessary if the objective of building a new city is to be realised.

The decision to build a new metropolis was taken by the council of Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality in 2023 when it approved the City Development Strategy (Vision 2043) as a blueprint to pave a way for the building of a new city and Maila said his administration is sparing no effort in realising it.

“ This is the vision that we want to see achieved and it can only be possible if we work together towards a common goal. The Municipality’s s planning is moving towards that goal, and we want the mindset of our community to move into the same thinking as ours,” said Maila.

The largely rural municipality currently only has Burgersfor and Praktiseer that are themselves small albeit with potential ( resting largely on mineral endowment). Ga-Nkoana is barely a town although it is vibrant and has over the years experienced increased commercial activity making it strategic in the municipality’s future growth prospects.

If realised, the new city will be the first, not just in Limpopo but nationally to be created under democratic rule.

Maila said the planned city is also seen as a catalyst in attracting much needed investment to the otherwise dry area.

“ Our quest for a city is underpinned by the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and social inequality which must confront at all costs. The development of City will bring much investment which will grow the economy and address socio-economic challenges,” said Maila in his address.

While acknowledging that creating a completely new city requires significant private sector investment, the mayor said the municipality was doing its part to create an enabling environment including but not limited to spending all its infrastructure grants ( to avoid returning money to treasury) and to using every cent in efficiently.

“ When this Council was inaugurated in November 2021, we took a decision that the Municipality must spend Conditional grants for the intended purpose and within the stipulated time. We are proud to report that up to date, the Municipality has been consistently spending Conditional grants as per directive and no money was ever returned to Treasury due to poor planning and non- spending,” said the Mayor.

He said the municipality has been acknowledged with several awards including a financial incentive for its positive spending record and general sound financial management.

“ During the 2025 SALGA Moses ‘Big Moss` Maluleka awards, Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality was conferred with two awards which gave testament to the commitment of sound and prudent financial management. The Municipality received an award for being 1 of the 6 Municipalities in Limpopo Province for not incurring fruitless and wasteful expenditure. This is an indication that Municipal funds are utilised efficiently. The second award was for sustaining Unqualified Audit opinion for three consecutive financial years and spending Conditional grants 100% . Our mission is to attain Clean Audit opinion, and all our efforts are channelled towards that objective,” the mayor said.

He reported progress on the rollout of infrastructure including construction of several access roads expected to ease conditions in vast areas whose participation in the municipality’s economy had been limited.

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The vision towards building a city cannot be realised without access and mobility and therefore the road infrastructure amongst others is key towards the attainment of our vision,” said Maila.

The mayor reported the following progress on road construction and maintenance;

Maepa access road

Construction of the 4 kilometres stretch started in August 2024 at Ward 1 and the mayor said up to 80 percent of the work had been completed with the project expected to be handed over to the community soon.

Dresden access road

The 2.8 kilometre road expected to bring relief to the community particularly during the rainy season is at 70 percent and is expected to be completed as well as to be handed over to the community soon.

Magakala access road

The 2.5-kilometre project has been completed, and will soon be handed over to the community.

Mashung access road

The road is completed and awaiting to be handed over to the community of Ward 36.

 

Appiesdoring to Manoke Contract A

The project has changed the face of Ga-Manoke village and was officially handed over to the community for usage.

Mareseleng

The community of Mareseleng was struggling to cross over to other areas during rainy season as the low lying bridge was ever flooded by water. The Municipality was able to construct a new road with a bridge that enable community to use during rainy season and the project has been officially handed over to the community.

Debeila-Mohlaletsi road

The mayor said there were challenges on the project which the municipality’s technical department were attending to and expressed confidence it will be completed on time.

 

He said SANRAL and Road Agency Limpopo were busy with rehabilitation of the R555 road eastbound and R37 northbound especially in areas where there were potholes.

SANRAL, said the mayor, has also rehabilitated 7 kilometers of the Ngwaabe road which he described as having been “a nightmare” to road users.

“The Malekane Steelbridge project is proceeding well and has alleviated the challenges of congestion which road users have faced for some time. We are hopeful that soon the top structure of the bridge will be completed and the project handed over to the community. We would like Road Agency Limpopo for implementing various roads projects in our Municipality.

The completion of the roads will expand our road network and enhance many economic activities especially in areas where accessibility was a challeng,” said the mayor on the road projects.

 

Maila also reported progress on the setting of the Fetakgomo-Tubatse Special Economic Zone which is already creating jobs.

 

“We can report that work on the Special Economic Zone site is continuing and the construction of fence is at an advanced. Other infrastructural projects will be implemented once the fence is completed.

We are happy that the Industrial Park is housing local SMME`s who are producing materials which are consumed by the local mines. We want to encourage other SMME`s to follow suit and be ready to trade with the mining houses,” said Mayor Maila.